Housing Benefit for WG Households 2025 - Tenants Germany
Many tenants in shared flats do not know whether they are eligible for housing benefit or how to complete the application correctly. This guide clearly explains which requirements apply to WG households in Germany, which documents landlords or authorities expect and how to calculate the amount of the subsidy. I walk you step by step through typical situations — partial rent, shared household management and changes in income — and show how to meet deadlines and organize documents. The goal is that every tenant in a WG knows which forms are needed, where to find them and how to assert their rights with the authority confidently. Practical templates and links help.
Who is eligible for housing benefit?
Housing benefit is a subsidy for rent for households with low income. In a WG, household structure determines eligibility: do people live together in one household or does each person run their own household? The legal basis is the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG).[1]
In many cases, the housing benefit offices examine the actual household management, not just contractual relationships.
Which documents do WG tenants need?
Prepare complete evidence; incomplete applications delay processing. Typical documents are:
- Housing benefit application (form): fully completed and signed.
- ID card or passport (proof): copies of all cohabiting persons.
- Tenancy agreement (form): all pages, including sublease agreements or addenda.
- Income proofs (rent): payslips, unemployment benefit notices or scholarship confirmations.
- Heating and service charge statements (proof): to determine eligible charges.
Keep copies of all documents organized in a folder.
How is housing benefit calculated?
The amount of housing benefit depends on rent and the countable income of household members. Factors include: eligible rent, number of household members and total income. The housing benefit office uses tables and local rent levels for calculation.
How and where to apply?
The application is submitted to the responsible housing benefit office of the city or district. Usually you submit the application in person, by mail or electronically if your municipality offers an online portal. Make sure to meet deadlines and supply requested documents promptly.[2]
Submit complete evidence, otherwise processing time will be extended.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for housing benefit if I live in a shared flat?
- Yes, WG residents can receive housing benefit. It is decisive whether joint household management exists or independent households; the housing benefit office checks this based on tenancy agreements, payment flows and daily organization.
- Does my entitlement change if roommates move in or out?
- Yes, changes in household composition or income must be reported immediately to the housing benefit office as they can affect the subsidy.
- Which authorities are responsible in case of dispute or rejection?
- Objection and possibly lawsuits against decisions of the housing benefit office are brought before the competent administrative court; for general tenancy disputes, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are often responsible.[3]
How-To: Submitting the application
- Obtain the form (form): download the housing benefit form of your municipality or collect it at the housing benefit office.
- Gather documents (proof): prepare IDs, tenancy agreement, income proofs and service charge statements.
- Submit the application (deadline): submit the application completely and note the receipt date.
- Follow up on queries (help): respond promptly to authority queries and submit missing documents.
- Check the decision (rent): review the approval or rejection notice and, if necessary, file an objection within the deadline.
Record all contacts with the housing benefit office including contact person and submission date.
Help and Support / Resources
- Wohngeld Act (WoFG) - Gesetze im Internet
- Civil Code (BGB), § 535 ff. - Landlord duties
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Official website
