Who is eligible for Wohngeld?
Not every household is automatically entitled to Wohngeld. Eligibility depends on several factors. We explain exactly which requirements you must meet and who is excluded from Wohngeld.
The basic requirements
You are entitled to Wohngeld if you have your place of residence in Germany, occupy the dwelling yourself and bear the rent or financial burden from your own income. Crucially, your income must not exceed a certain limit but must be high enough to cover your living costs without additional social benefits.
Income limits in detail
The income limits for Wohngeld eligibility are not rigid but depend on household size, the Mietstufe and the actual rent. A rough guideline: a single-person household in Duisburg (Mietstufe IV) with a monthly cold rent of 400 euros is eligible with a gross income up to approximately 1,300 euros. A four-person household with 800 euros cold rent is eligible up to approximately 3,200 euros gross income. Exact figures can be found on our income limits page.
Counting household members
The household includes all persons who live in the dwelling and form a joint domestic and economic community with the applicant. Spouses, registered civil partners and children for whom child benefit is received are always counted as part of the household. Other cohabitants such as flatmates without family ties are not counted as part of the household.
Students and Wohngeld
Students are generally excluded from Wohngeld if they are in principle entitled to BAföG – even if they do not actually receive BAföG. Exceptions apply if the degree has been completed (e.g. during doctoral studies) or if the BAföG entitlement is excluded from the outset due to certain conditions. Students with children or in a household with non-student partners may receive Wohngeld in certain cases.
Pensioners and Wohngeld
Pensioners with a low statutory pension can apply for Wohngeld. Wohngeld is an important form of support, especially for older people whose pension is insufficient to cover rising rental costs. The decisive factor is the total income from pensions, any occupational pensions and other sources of income.
Who is excluded from Wohngeld?
Excluded from Wohngeld are recipients of Bürgergeld, basic income support in old age, subsistence assistance or benefits under the Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz – unless the income exceeds the need and Wohngeld is granted as a supplementary benefit. Residents of care homes (e.g. nursing homes) are also generally not entitled to Wohngeld.
All information provided without guarantee. The statutory provisions of the Wohngeldgesetz (WoGG) are binding.