Wohngeld in Special Life Situations
Whether you are a student, pensioner, single parent or self-employed – we explain the specific rules for your Wohngeld entitlement.
Students and Wohngeld
Students are generally excluded from Wohngeld if they are in principle eligible for BAföG – even if they do not actually receive BAföG. Exceptions: if you do not receive BAföG because the maximum funding period has been exceeded or you have reached the age limit, you can apply for Wohngeld. Students with children, married students or students in a household with non-student partners may also receive Wohngeld under certain conditions. Students pursuing a doctoral degree after completing a Master's are also entitled, as they are no longer eligible for BAföG.
Pensioners and Wohngeld
Wohngeld is an important form of financial support, especially for pensioners with a low statutory pension. Unlike basic income support in old age, Wohngeld is paid in addition to the pension and does not have to be repaid. The decisive factor is total income from pensions, occupational pensions, Riester pensions and other sources of income. In Duisburg, pensioners with older tenancy agreements at moderate rents benefit particularly – Mietstufe IV provides for appropriate maximum amounts in the calculation.
Single Parents and Wohngeld
Single parents often have a limited income and high housing costs. Wohngeld provides important relief here. Children increase the household size and therefore the income limit. At the same time, the eligible maximum rent amount increases. Child benefit and maintenance advance payments are not counted as income, which has a favourable effect on the income used for the Wohngeld calculation. A single mother with one child in Duisburg, with a gross income of 1,800 euros and a cold rent of 550 euros, can expect Wohngeld of around 250 euros per month.
Wohngeld in Shared Accommodation
In a shared flat (WG), it depends on whether a joint domestic and economic community exists. If you live with friends or acquaintances without a shared economy (separate fridges, separate household budgets), the cohabitants are not counted as part of your household. You can then apply for Wohngeld for your share of the rent. However, if a shared economic community exists (e.g. with a life partner), all incomes and the total rent are combined for the calculation.
Wohngeld When Receiving Bürgergeld
Recipients of Bürgergeld are generally not entitled to Wohngeld, as accommodation costs are already covered by the Jobcentre. However, there is an important exception: if your income is high enough that Wohngeld plus your own income exceeds the Bürgergeld requirement, it is worth switching from Bürgergeld to Wohngeld. In this case, you submit an application for Wohngeld and inform the Jobcentre that you wish to leave the Bürgergeld scheme. Seek advice from the Wohngeldstelle or a social welfare organisation beforehand.
Self-Employed and Low Earners
Self-employed people and low earners can generally apply for Wohngeld. For self-employed persons, income is determined on the basis of the most recent income tax assessment. If your income fluctuates widely, early advice from the Wohngeldstelle is recommended. For low earners – i.e. employees on a low income – Wohngeld provides an important top-up that prevents you from having to rely on Bürgergeld despite being in work. Especially in Duisburg with Mietstufe IV, Wohngeld can be worthwhile for many working people.
All information provided without guarantee. The statutory provisions of the Wohngeldgesetz (WoGG) are binding.