Definition at a glance
Load allowance is the form of housing benefit granted to owners of owner-occupied living space (e.g., house or condominium). It serves to relieve costs for management and financing.
What is Load Allowance?
Owners of a house or a condominium have a claim to housing benefit under similar conditions as tenants. However, since they do not pay rent, the subsidy is paid here to cover the burden (financing costs and maintenance).
Who can apply for Load Allowance?
Eligible to apply are persons who occupy living space in their own house or apartment and bear the burden for it. This includes:
- Owners of a house or a condominium.
- Holders of an ownership-like right (e.g., leasehold rights).
- Residents of a farm (residential part).
- Persons who possess a usufruct right or a permanent right of residence.
Eligible Burden
The following costs in particular are used to calculate the load allowance:
- Interest on loans taken out for the construction, acquisition, or modernization of the living space.
- Costs for management and maintenance (flat rate per square meter).
- Property taxes and other public charges.
Legal Basis
The eligibility to apply for the load allowance is regulated in Section 3 (2) of the Housing Benefit Act (WoGG).