Housing Benefit Calculator for Single-Parent Tenants Germany

As a single-parent tenant in Germany, you can use the housing benefit calculator to quickly check whether you are eligible for housing benefit or rent supplements. This guide explains in clear terms what data you need, which deadlines apply, and which official forms exist. I show practical steps: enter income and rent details, gather documents, and submit the application to the responsible housing benefit office. You will also learn how tenancy law aspects such as operating costs or energy-saving measures can affect entitlement. At the end you will find notes on appeals, judicial responsibilities, and official links to ministries and courts so you can proceed confidently and correctly.

What is the housing benefit calculator?

The housing benefit calculator is an online tool that provides a preliminary estimate of whether and how much housing benefit may be available. It does not replace a binding decision by the housing benefit authority but helps collect necessary documents and set expectations.

How to use the calculator

1. Enter your monthly gross and net income.
2. Input your actual cold rent and the apartment size.
3. Include maintenance payments or child benefit where applicable.
4. Note the result and review the recommended proofs.
5. Submit the application online or in person at your housing benefit office.
6. Keep all receipts and the confirmation of your input.

Which documents do you need?

• Current income proofs (pay slips, notices).
• Rental agreement and last operating costs statement.
• Proofs of maintenance or child benefit.
• ID card or registration certificate.
• Any benefit notices, if applicable.

Legal notes

Housing benefit is a public-law benefit regulated by the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG). Tenancy matters are governed by the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), especially §§ 535–580a.^[1][2]

In case of disputes about rejection or deadlines, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; procedural rules are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO). In administrative matters, the housing benefit authority decides before judicial steps are possible.^[3]

FAQ

Who can apply for housing benefit?

Single-parent tenants can apply if income and rent fall within the set limits; the calculator gives an initial orientation.

Which deadlines are important?

Apply for housing benefit promptly when the need arises; report income changes to the housing benefit office without delay.

What to do if rejected?

You can file an objection to the decision and consider legal action at the competent administrative court; first review the reasoning and collect evidence.

How-To

1. Use the calculator: enter all relevant amounts and note the result.
2. Gather documents: organize income proofs, rental agreement, and benefit notices.
3. Complete the application: open the online form or download the PDF and fill it out completely.
4. Submit the application: submit online or hand it in at the housing benefit office.
5. Check the decision: review the notice and contact the authority if anything is unclear.

Help and Support

• Housing Benefit: Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building
• Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) – Gesetze im Internet
• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building – Housing Benefit