Use Housing Benefit Calculator: Tenants in Germany

As a single parent tenant in Germany, calculating housing benefit and correctly completing the housing benefit application can be very helpful. This guide clearly explains how to use the housing benefit calculator safely, which documents are required and which deadlines apply. You will learn which details about rent, income and household size matter, how to organize receipts and which forms authorities expect. I also describe what to do in case of an objection or dispute with the landlord and which courts are responsible. At the end you will find a practical checklist for single parents, a step-by-step application guide and official links to laws and authorities. The language is clear and free of legal jargon so you can act with confidence. Keep copies of all submitted documents.

Wohngeldrechner kurz erklärt

A housing benefit calculator helps you quickly get an initial estimate of whether and how much housing benefit you may be entitled to. The calculator asks for common values: gross and net income, number of household members, monthly rent and possibly heating costs. Use the calculator as orientation, not as a final approval. The official decision depends on the formal application with supporting documents at the responsible authority.

Welche Angaben sind besonders wichtig?

The following values most strongly influence the result:

• Gross and net income: all regular earnings including maintenance and child benefit.
• Monthly cold rent and allocable ancillary costs.
• Number of people living in the household and their ages.
• Evidence: pay slips, rental contract, bank statements, proof of maintenance or benefits.

Formulare und praktische Beispiele

The actual housing benefit application must be submitted to the city or district administration. Typical title of the form is "Wohngeldantrag"; many municipalities offer an online form or a PDF to print. For example, you enter the same values in the application as in the calculator and attach the evidence. If in doubt, ask specifically which supporting documents the responsible authority in your city requires.

FAQ

Wer hat Anspruch auf Wohngeld?

Households with low income who pay rent and are not already covered by other social benefits that exclude housing benefit may be eligible; single parents can be eligible depending on income.^[1]

Wie lange dauert die Entscheidung über den Antrag?

The processing time varies by municipality. Expect several weeks; missing documents will extend the period.

Was tun, wenn die Behörde ablehnt?

You can file an objection; the deadline for objection is stated in the decision. Collect all documents, justify missing points and file the objection on time.

Anleitung

1. Note your monthly gross and net income and all regular receipts.
2. Determine your monthly cold rent and allocable ancillary costs.
3. Scan or copy the required supporting documents: pay slips, rental contract, bank statements and proofs of maintenance.
4. Use a housing benefit calculator for a preliminary estimate and note the result.
5. Complete the official housing benefit application of your municipality and attach all evidence.
6. Send the application and keep the confirmation of receipt; if someone acts for you, include a power of attorney.

Widerspruch, Streit mit dem Vermieter und Gerichte

If your housing benefit application is rejected or the landlord disputes the rent, first contact local authorities or mediation offices. For legal disputes in tenancy law, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are generally responsible; appeals go to the regional courts or, where applicable, onwards to the Federal Court of Justice.^[2]

Hilfe und Unterstützung

• Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• BGB §535 ff. (Mietrecht) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a (Mietrecht) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof — bundesgerichtshof.de