Housing Benefit Plus Campaign 2026

Housing Benefit or Basic Security?

Find out which benefit is more advantageous for your household in Duisburg. We help you with the comparison.

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At a glance: The decisive difference

Housing benefit is a priority benefit for households that can support themselves. Citizen's Allowance (basic security) is assistance for living. Often, housing benefit in combination with the child supplement is the more financially lucrative choice.

Housing benefit is a priority benefit

According to the law, housing benefit is priority over Citizen's Allowance (basic security for job seekers) and social assistance (basic security in old age). This means: If you can cover your needs through housing benefit and other own means (e.g. wages, pension, child supplement), you must apply for housing benefit before receiving state basic security.

Advantages of housing benefit over basic security

Independence from the Jobcenter

With housing benefit, you are not subject to the placement obligation and do not have to sign integration agreements.

Higher protected assets

For housing benefit, more generous limits apply to your savings (up to €60,000 for the first person).

No car counting

An appropriate car is usually not counted as an asset for housing benefit.

The 'Insider Tip': Housing Benefit + Child Supplement

The comparison is particularly worthwhile for families in Duisburg. Those who receive housing benefit are often also entitled to the child supplement (KiZ) from the family fund. In total, this is often significantly more money than the standard rate for Citizen's Allowance. In addition, the strict check of the appropriateness of the apartment by the Jobcenter is omitted.

Exclusion of parallel benefits

Important to know: You cannot receive housing benefit and basic security at the same time. Once you receive Citizen's Allowance, your housing costs are already covered. However, a switch is possible at any time if housing benefit is more advantageous.

Frequently asked questions about the comparison

When is it worth switching to housing benefit?

A switch is usually worth it if you have your own income (e.g. through work or pension) and through the combination of housing benefit and, if applicable, child supplement, you are above the level of Citizen's Allowance.

Do I have to use up my savings first?

No, for housing benefit, significantly higher allowances for assets apply than for Citizen's Allowance. Normal savings usually do not stand in the way of receiving housing benefit.

Act now for financial relief

Make the best decision for your finances. We support you in switching from basic security to housing benefit in Duisburg.

Check eligibility & apply here

Non-binding, Secure & Fast