Housing Benefit Calculator: Tenant Checklist Germany
As a tenant in Germany, the housing benefit calculator can help quickly estimate eligibility for a rent subsidy. This checklist explains step by step which documents to gather, how to enter income and housing costs correctly, and what special rules for household size or one-off payments matter. You will receive practical guidance on securely proving rent, utilities and social benefits, and tips to prepare your application at the responsible housing benefit office. This text is written in plain language for tenants without legal background. At the end you will find a short FAQ, a step-by-step guide for applying, and official links to laws and authorities.
How the housing benefit calculator works
The housing benefit calculator estimates eligibility based on your housing costs, household size and income. The tool only calculates from the data you enter; incorrect values lead to misleading results. Use the checklist below to check entries in advance and avoid common mistakes.
Check numbers in bank statements and bills before entering them.
Which documents do you need?
- rent: current rent amount from lease or bank statement
- record: proof of income for the last three months (payslips, pension notices)
- heating: most recent heating bill and operating cost statement
- form: identity document or registration certificate as proof of identity
- evidence: notices on social benefits such as unemployment benefit II or housing benefit
Organize documents digitally and in a folder so you are better prepared for queries.
How to enter data correctly
- form: Enter gross income and deductions exactly as stated on the payslip.
- rent: Enter only the chargeable cold rent and the allocable utility costs.
- deadline: Observe deadlines for applying and submit missing documents promptly.
Incorrect information can lead to repayments.
Where to apply and which legal bases apply?
Apply for housing benefit at the housing benefit office of your city or municipality. The legal bases are in the Civil Code (BGB §§535–580a)[1] and the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)[2]. For disputes about tenancy agreements, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent in the first instance; proceedings follow the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)[3].
In many cases the housing benefit office will first ask for an informal sketch of the application.
FAQ
- Who is eligible for housing benefit?
- Tenants with low income can apply; household income and chargeable housing costs are decisive.
- What deadlines apply to the application?
- Housing benefit generally must be applied for before the benefit period starts; retroactive payments are limited.
- What happens in case of incorrect information?
- Incorrect information can lead to repayments or fines; report changes immediately.
How-To
- record: Gather all proofs (rent, income, utilities) and sort them chronologically.
- form: Complete the online calculator and save a screenshot of the summary.
- call: Submit the completed application to the housing benefit office and book an appointment if needed.
- deadline: Keep confirmations of receipt and deadlines in writing.
Help and Support
- Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) – gesetze-im-internet.de
- Federal Government – Information on housing
