Wohngeld FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Wohngeld is a government rent subsidy for low-income households. It is designed to ensure that you can afford adequate housing. Wohngeld is paid as a non-repayable subsidy – you don't have to pay it back.

Tenants whose income is below the applicable limit and who do not receive other social benefits such as Bürgergeld (SGB II) or basic income support (SGB XII) are entitled. The rent must also be within the maximum amounts. Students with BAföG entitlement are generally excluded.

The amount is calculated individually based on income, rent, household size, and Mietstufe. For Bochum (Mietstufe III), Wohngeld in typical cases ranges from about 100 to 380 EUR per month.

At the Wohngeldstelle of the City of Bochum (Amt für Soziales). In person, by mail, or through an online application service. All contact details can be found on our Wohngeldstelle Bochum page.

Completed application, landlord's rent certificate, proof of income for the last few months, copy of ID, tenancy agreement, and utility bill. Full checklist on our documents page.

Yes, through certified application services. They guide you step by step, check completeness, and forward the application digitally. In-person application in Bochum is also possible.

Processing time varies depending on workload and document completeness. With complete documents, expect several weeks. If approved, Wohngeld is paid retroactively from the month of application.

Yes, from the first day of the month in which the application was received. Payment for months before the application is not possible. Apply as early as possible.

Usually for twelve months (approval period). After that, you must submit a renewal application. You must report changes in income or housing circumstances to the Wohngeldstelle.

No, child benefit (Kindergeld) is not counted as income for Wohngeld. The child supplement (Kinderzuschlag / KiZ) can also be received in addition to Wohngeld.

No, the benefits are mutually exclusive. Anyone receiving Bürgergeld (SGB II) cannot receive Wohngeld. A detailed comparison can be found on our comparison page.

Wohngeld is a rent subsidy for employed people with low income – no asset check, no Jobcenter obligations. Bürgergeld is livelihood security – with asset check and cooperation obligations.

Yes, provided you do not receive basic income support in old age (SGB XII). Your pension is counted as income, with an age allowance. No asset check with Wohngeld.

Only if there is no BAföG entitlement – even in principle. Exceptions include exceeding the maximum funding period or career-integrated study programs with employment.

Bochum is classified as Mietstufe III. This corresponds to a medium rent level nationwide and determines the maximum amounts for Wohngeld calculation.

The Bruttokaltmiete: net cold rent plus cold operating costs (water, waste disposal, etc.). Heating, hot water, and electricity are not included – they are covered through the Klimakomponente.

Yes, immediately in case of income increases of more than 15 percent, changes in household size, or rent increases. Failure to report can lead to reclaims.

File a written objection within one month of receiving the notice – by registered mail with justification to the Wohngeldstelle Bochum.

Yes, as a burden subsidy (Lastenzuschuss) for owner-occupied property. Calculation is similar to rent subsidy, based on debt service and operating costs.

Income from a mini-job is counted, but with flat-rate deductions for taxes/social security. Wohngeld is reduced, but part of the additional earnings is retained.

No. Unlike Bürgergeld, your assets play no role in Wohngeld – no need to use up savings.

Each child increases household size and thus the income limit and maximum amounts. Child benefit is not counted. Child supplement is additionally possible.

Through dynamic adjustment, Wohngeld is adapted every two years. In 2025, an increase of 12–15 percent took effect. Further moderate adjustments are planned for 2026.

At Gustav-Heinemann-Platz 2–6, accessible by bus and tram from the Central Station. All details on our Wohngeldstelle Bochum page.

An appointment is recommended to avoid waiting times. Many matters can also be handled by mail or through the online application service.

The official application is in German. Our website provides information in six languages: German, English, Turkish, Arabic, Polish, and Ukrainian.

The profit according to the last tax assessment is decisive. For fluctuating income, the Wohngeldstelle can make an estimate. Flat-rate deductions for taxes and social security apply.

Yes, ALG I recipients can apply for Wohngeld. Unlike Bürgergeld, you are not excluded. ALG I is counted as income.

Try during less busy times or submit your matter in writing. The online application service is available 24/7.

Exact calculation is complex. Our Wohngeldrechner page offers example calculations and the calculation logic. For definitive results: application service or Wohngeldstelle.