Wohngeld Eligibility – Who Is Entitled to Housing Benefit?
Wohngeld eligibility requirements at a glance: income limits, household size, living space. Find out if you qualify for Wohngeld in Bochum.
Who Is Eligible for Wohngeld?
Wohngeld is a government rent subsidy (Mietzuschuss) that helps lower-income households afford adequate housing. In principle, any tenant in Germany can apply for Wohngeld provided they meet certain requirements.
The Five Most Important Requirements
To receive Wohngeld, you must meet the following conditions:
1. Tenant of a dwelling
You must be a tenant or have a similar right of use to a dwelling. Residents of a care home may also be eligible under certain circumstances.
2. Residence in Germany
You must have your residence or habitual abode in Germany and occupy the dwelling yourself.
3. No exclusion due to other benefits
Recipients of Bürgergeld (SGB II) or basic income support in old age (SGB XII) are excluded from Wohngeld, as their housing costs are already covered by these benefits.
4. Income below the limit
Your total income and that of the household members must be below the income limit applicable to you. The income limit depends on your rent level and household size.
5. Rent within the maximum limits
Your rent must be within the maximum limits applicable to your rent level. If the rent exceeds this, only the maximum amount is used in the calculation.
What Counts as Income?
Income generally includes all receipts in money or monetary value. This includes in particular: employment income (wages, salary), pensions, unemployment benefit I, sick pay, parental allowance (partially), maintenance payments, rental and investment income. Certain allowances and deductions are subtracted from this total income to determine the assessable income.
Who Belongs to the Household?
The household includes all persons who live with you in one dwelling and share a household. This typically includes: the applicant, the spouse or registered civil partner, children under 25 (including stepchildren and foster children), relatives in direct line (parents, grandparents), provided they live with you.
What Counts as Rent?
Rent (Bruttokaltmiete) is the net rent plus cold service charges (excluding heating and hot water costs). Not included are: heating costs, electricity costs, costs for a garage or parking space. The rent used by the Wohngeld office must not exceed the maximum limits applicable to Bochum.
When Is There No Entitlement?
There is no entitlement to Wohngeld in the following cases:
- ❌ Receipt of Bürgergeld (SGB II) or basic income support in old age/reduced earning capacity (SGB XII) – even if only one household member receives these benefits.
- ❌ Members of a needs community under SGB II who receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
- ❌ Income significantly exceeds the applicable income limit – even the maximum amount would no longer result in any Wohngeld.
Quick Check: Am I Eligible?
Only the Wohngeld office can provide a binding assessment. As a rule of thumb: if you work, receive a pension or have other income but still struggle to make ends meet, and you do not receive other social benefits (Bürgergeld, social assistance), you have a good chance of receiving Wohngeld. Use the application service for professional support.
Have Your Eligibility Checked Now
Start your Wohngeld application with professional support and find out whether you are entitled to Wohngeld.
Apply for Wohngeld Now →