Wohngeld Amount – How Much Housing Benefit Can I Get?
How is Wohngeld calculated? Benefit amounts, calculation factors and example calculations for Bochum. All factors explained clearly.
How Is the Wohngeld Amount Calculated?
The amount of Wohngeld is calculated using a legally defined formula. It is not a flat rate but depends on your individual situation. The calculation is carried out by the Wohngeld office – but you can understand how it works here.
The Five Calculation Factors
Wohngeld is calculated based on these five factors:
1. Assessable income
Your total income minus certain allowances and flat rates. The higher the income, the lower the Wohngeld.
2. Rent (Bruttokaltmiete)
The net rent plus cold service charges – but only up to the applicable maximum limit of your rent level.
3. Household size
The number of household members. More people generally mean higher Wohngeld.
4. Rent level of the municipality
Bochum is classified in a specific rent level. The rent level reflects the regional rent level and determines the maximum limits.
5. Wohngeld formula (WoGG)
The Wohngeld Act (WoGG) defines a complex formula with various calculation parameters. Simplified: Wohngeld = 1.15 × (rent – (income × rent burden factor)).
The Simplified Wohngeld Formula
The exact calculation is based on table values in the Wohngeld Act. In greatly simplified terms, the principle can be represented as follows:
Wohngeld ≈ Maximum limit of your rent level – (assessable income × percentage rent burden)
The percentage rent burden factor increases with income. For low income, a lower percentage of rent is considered reasonable – resulting in higher Wohngeld.
Example Calculations for Bochum
The following examples show how Wohngeld might be calculated in typical Bochum situations. Please note: these are illustrative examples. The actual amount may vary.
Example 1: Single Person
A single person in Bochum with a monthly gross income of €1,300 and a net rent of €450. After deducting social insurance flat rates and allowances, an assessable income is determined. Given Bochum's rent level, monthly Wohngeld could be approximately €100 to €180.
Example 2: Family with Two Children
A family of four (two adults, two children) with a monthly gross income of €2,800 and a net rent of €750. Due to the larger household, both the allowances and the maximum limits increase. Wohngeld in this case could be approximately €150 to €300 per month.
Example 3: Female Pensioner
A single female pensioner in Bochum with a monthly pension of €950 and a net rent of €400. After deducting the income-related expenses allowance and the age allowance, monthly Wohngeld could be approximately €130 to €220.
Calculate Your Personal Wohngeld Entitlement
The exact calculation is complex. Use the application service for a professional assessment of your individual entitlement.
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