Apply for Housing Benefit 2025: Tenants in Germany
Many tenants in Germany do not know they may be eligible for housing benefit. This guide explains in plain language who can qualify, which documents authorities typically require, and how to submit the application securely. We cover common deadlines, give examples of the supporting evidence needed and show which offices can assist. For rental problems such as heating failures or evictions, we name the competent courts and the relevant statutes so you know where to turn. Use the checklists below to prepare your application completely and avoid delays.
Wer hat Anspruch auf Wohngeld?
Households with low income whose rent or burden for owner-occupied housing exceeds a certain threshold may be eligible for housing benefit. The exact calculation depends on household size, income and rent; the legal basis is the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz.[1]
Welche Unterlagen brauchen Sie?
Before visiting the housing benefit office, gather all required documents. Missing evidence will quickly delay the decision.
- Proofs of income (pay slips, pay/payment) for the last 3 months.
- Rental contract (rental agreement, form) stating the rent amount.
- Receipts or bank statements as proof of rent payments (receipt, document).
- Valid ID (identity card or passport).
- Bank statements and proof of other income (payment, deposit).
- Heating bill or operating costs overview (heating, Heizkosten).
Wie beantragen Sie Wohngeld?
Submit the application to the competent housing benefit office of your city or municipality. Many municipalities offer online forms; some require an in-person visit. Complete the form fully and attach all proofs. If unsure, call ahead to confirm which documents are mandatory in your municipality.[1]
Schrittweise Hinweise
File your application as early as possible; housing benefit is usually not paid automatically. After submission, the authority reviews the documents and issues a decision. If the decision is negative, you can file an objection and, if necessary, sue before the administrative court.
Rechte bei Mietproblemen
For classic tenancy disputes such as rent reduction, termination, or eviction suits, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; the relevant rules are in the BGB.[2] For court proceedings, the provisions of the ZPO apply, for example for eviction claims.[3]
Häufige Fragen
- Kann ich Wohngeld erhalten, wenn ich Leistungen wie Arbeitslosengeld II bekomme?
- Benefits under SGB II or unemployment benefit II (ALG II) generally exclude entitlement to housing benefit because housing costs are already considered there.
- Wie lange dauert die Bearbeitung eines Antrags?
- Processing times vary by municipality; expect several weeks. Complete documentation shortens waiting time.
- Muss ich Änderungen (z. B. Einkommensänderung) mitteilen?
- Yes, changes in income or household circumstances must be reported to the housing benefit office immediately, as they may affect entitlement.
Anleitung
- Check whether your household is generally eligible (household size, income, rent).
- Collect proofs of income, rental agreement, bank statements and heating bill (pay, payment, heating).
- Get the application form from your municipality's website or pick it up at the housing benefit office (form, submit).
- Complete the form fully, attach copies of all proofs and sign.
- Submit the application (online, by post or in person) and note the submission date and receipt confirmation.
- Await the decision; reply to any follow-up questions within the given timeframe (days).
Wichtigste Punkte
- Complete documentation speeds up the decision.
- Report changes immediately to avoid repayments.
- Forms are available from your municipality's housing benefit office.
Hilfe und Unterstützung / Ressourcen
- [1] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) – Gesetze im Internet
- [2] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
- [4] Bundesgerichtshof – Official site
