Apply for Housing Benefit: Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany do not know that housing benefit is a state support for households with low incomes. For single parents this payment can be especially important because they often have to manage high living costs on a single income. This guide explains step by step how to apply for housing benefit digitally, which documents the housing benefit office expects, which deadlines to observe and how to avoid objections or follow-up claims. The information is written in practical terms, cites relevant laws and gives examples from the everyday life of tenants. At the end you will find a practical instruction for filling in the online application and notes on where to find official forms and court jurisdiction information.

What is housing benefit?

Housing benefit is a needs-based grant for tenants and owners with low incomes in Germany. It covers part of the monthly housing costs and is granted on application. The legal basis is the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG).^[2]

Who can apply for housing benefit?

Households with incomes below certain limits are eligible; for single parents, child benefit and maintenance are taken into account. The exact calculation depends on rent, household size and income. The responsible authority is the municipal housing benefit office (Wohngeldstelle).^[3]

Required documents

• Identity card or passport
• Most recent pay slips or income statements
• Tenancy agreement and current heating or operating cost statement
• Proof of maintenance, child benefit or social benefits

How the digital application works

Many municipalities offer an online form; search the website of your city or municipality and choose "Wohngeld". In the form you enter personal data, rental costs and income. Upload scanned proofs and submit the declaration electronically. Observe deadlines and the possibility of answering personal queries from the housing benefit office.

FAQ

How quickly is housing benefit approved?

Processing times vary by municipality; expect several weeks to months.

Can I receive housing benefit retroactively?

Housing benefit can generally only be paid for periods in which an application was submitted; check details with the housing benefit office.

Who decides in case of dispute over the application?

In legal disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; legal questions about the tenancy agreement are governed by the BGB.^[1]

How-To

1. Check online on your citys website for the housing benefit application.
2. Collect and scan all required proofs.
3. Complete the online form fully and upload the documents.
4. Submit the application and note the confirmation of receipt.
5. Respond promptly to queries from the housing benefit office or submit missing documents.

Help and Support

• Wohnraumfrderungsgesetz (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Local courts information - justiz.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Amtsgericht (Zuständigkeit) - justiz.de