Housing Benefit for WG Tenants in Germany

Many shared-flat residents (WG) in Germany are unsure whether they can apply for housing benefit or how each persons share is calculated. This article explains clearly who is entitled, which income and rent limits must be observed, and how to correctly fill out applications and meet deadlines. I show step by step which documents you typically need, how to split cost shares in the shared flat, and which office in your city or municipality you must contact. You will also find practical tips for cases of rejection, objection and legal clarification. The aim is that tenants in Germany know their rights and can submit the application quickly, completely and successfully.

Who can receive housing benefit in a shared flat?

Housing benefit is a needs-based social benefit for tenants and owners with low income. In a shared flat: every adult registered at the address can generally receive housing benefit if they pay rent proportionally and comply with income and rent limits. It is important that actual payment and living arrangements can be evidenced.

How is the share calculated in a shared flat?

There are two common models for calculating the housing benefit share in a shared flat: proportional costs per person (equal split) or according to contractual arrangements (e.g., own room with different rent). Authorities check actual payment flows and the rental agreement. Crucial are the attributable rent and each persons countable income.

What counts as attributable rent?

• The base rent plus prorated operating costs, as far as regulated in the rental contract.
• Heating and hot water costs, if not settled as a flat rate.
• Special costs that are contractually agreed and recur regularly.

Important forms and proofs

For the housing benefit application you generally need the following documents; many municipalities offer an "Antrag auf Wohngeld" form to be completed. The exact names may vary locally, so check the municipal form of your housing benefit office.

• Application for housing benefit (municipal form)  e.g., fill in personal data and details about rent and household size.
• ID card or registration certificate to confirm residence.
• Rental agreement and proof of actually paid rent (bank evidence, receipts).
• Income proofs for recent months (pay slips, BAfG notices, pension statements).
• If applicable, a power of attorney if a flatmate or representative submits the application on your behalf.

Submitting the application: process and deadlines

Submit the application to the responsible housing benefit authority in your city or municipality. Processing time varies; expect several weeks. Housing benefit is usually not paid retroactively for more than three months before the application, so: apply as early as possible.

Practical example

Three students in a shared flat split the rent equally. Each person provides salary or BAfG evidence and bank statements showing monthly payments to the main tenant. The housing benefit office checks individual incomes and prorated rent and calculates a possible housing benefit entitlement for each person.

What to do in case of rejection or reduction?

On rejection, check the decision carefully: is a proof missing or was income incorrectly calculated? You can file an objection within the deadline stated in the decision. If necessary, going to court is possible  tenancy disputes are generally heard at the local court (Amtsgericht).

FAQ

Who in a shared flat is eligible to apply?

Basically every adult registered in the flat who pays rent proportionally and meets the income limits.

Does the rental contract have to be in my name?

No, registration and regular rent payments are sufficient; written rent agreements or transfer proofs are ideal.

Is there a deadline for the housing benefit application?

Housing benefit is usually not granted retroactively for more than three months, so submit the application early.

How-To

1. Check: Visit your local housing benefit office online or call and download the municipal form.
2. Collect documents: ID, rental agreement, bank statements and income proofs.
3. Complete the application: Fill in all fields and explain prorated rent payments.
4. Submit: Hand in the form and copies at the housing benefit office or send by mail/online.
5. Follow up: Provide missing documents promptly and respond to inquiries.

Help and Support

• Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG)  gesetzlicher Rahmen
• BGB  Mietrechtliche Grundlagen
• Bundesministerium ffcr Wohnen  Offizielle Infos

1. [1] Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG) - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Bfcrgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)  a7535 - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Bundesministerium ffcr Wohnen - Offizielle Informationen