Wohngeld Calculator Bochum 2026 – Calculate Wohngeld & Examples

Wohngeld Calculator – Example Calculations & Guidance

The exact calculation of Wohngeld is complex and is carried out by the Wohngeldstelle based on your individual data. This page gives you guidance on what Wohngeld you can expect in Bochum – with example calculations for typical life situations.

How Does the Wohngeld Calculation Work?

Wohngeld is calculated using a complex formula in the Wohngeldgesetz (WoGG). Simply put: the lower your income, the higher your rent (up to the maximum amount), and the larger your household, the higher your Wohngeld. Five factors are decisive: assessable income, Bruttokaltmiete, number of household members, Mietstufe, and legally defined calculation parameters.

The Wohngeld Formula – How Your Housing Benefit Is Calculated

Wohngeld = 1,15 × (M − (a + b × M + c × Y) × Y)

M = anrechenbare Miete · Y = Gesamteinkommen · a, b, c = Parameter (nach WoGG § 19)

The Wohngeld calculation follows § 19 of the Wohngeldgesetz (WoGG). The simplified formula is: Wohngeld = 1.15 × (M − (a + b × M + c × Y) × Y), where M is the eligible rent, Y is the total income, and a, b, c are legally defined parameters. These parameters vary by household size and rent level (Mietstufe). For your exact Wohngeld calculation, all your individual data is needed.

Calculate Wohngeld in 4 Steps

Here is how the Wohngeld calculation works – from your data to the result:

1. Determine the monthly total income: All household income is recorded and adjusted for allowances, taxes, and social security contributions.

2. Determine the eligible rent: Your gross cold rent is compared with the maximum amounts for your Mietstufe. Only the amount up to the limit is included in the Wohngeld calculation.

3. Calculate the Wohngeld amount: The Wohngeld formula combines income, rent, and household size with the statutory parameter tables (§ 19 WoGG).

4. Check the minimum Wohngeld: From 2026, the minimum Wohngeld is 10 EUR per month. Amounts below 10 EUR are not paid out.

The Five Factors in Detail

Wohngeld is calculated using a complex formula in the Wohngeldgesetz (WoGG). Simply put: the lower your income, the higher your rent (up to the maximum amount), and the larger your household, the higher your Wohngeld. Five factors are decisive: assessable income, Bruttokaltmiete, number of household members, Mietstufe, and legally defined calculation parameters.

1. Assessable Income

Your total income minus taxes, social security, and certain allowances. The higher the income, the lower the Wohngeld.

2. Rent (Bruttokaltmiete)

Cold rent plus cold operating costs – limited by the maximum amounts of your Mietstufe. If your rent exceeds the maximum, only the maximum is applied.

3. Household Size

The number of family members counted in the household. More people increase the maximum amounts and lower the reasonable rent burden.

4. Mietstufe (Bochum: III)

The Mietstufe reflects the regional rent level. Bochum is classified as Mietstufe III, which means medium maximum amounts.

5. Rent Burden Factor

A percentage of your income considered a reasonable rent burden. It increases with income and decreases with household size.

Example Calculations for Bochum (Mietstufe III)

The following tables give you guidance on what Wohngeld you can expect in typical Bochum situations. The values are approximate – your actual entitlement may differ.

Single Person (1 person, no children)

💰 Income 1,000 EUR, rent 350 EUR → approx. 150–220 EUR Wohngeld
💰 Income 1,200 EUR, rent 400 EUR → approx. 110–180 EUR Wohngeld
💰 Income 1,400 EUR, rent 420 EUR → approx. 50–100 EUR Wohngeld

Single Parent with 1 Child (2 persons (1 adult, 1 child))

💰 Income 1,400 EUR, rent 480 EUR → approx. 180–260 EUR Wohngeld
💰 Income 1,800 EUR, rent 500 EUR → approx. 100–170 EUR Wohngeld

Couple Without Children (2 persons (2 adults))

💰 Income 1,600 EUR, rent 500 EUR → approx. 160–240 EUR Wohngeld
💰 Income 2,000 EUR, rent 520 EUR → approx. 80–140 EUR Wohngeld

Family with 2 Children (4 persons (2 adults, 2 children))

💰 Income 2,200 EUR, rent 650 EUR → approx. 250–350 EUR Wohngeld
💰 Income 2,800 EUR, rent 750 EUR → approx. 150–250 EUR Wohngeld

Pensioner (1 person, aged 65+)

💰 Pension 900 EUR, rent 380 EUR → approx. 180–250 EUR Wohngeld (with age allowance)
💰 Pension 1,100 EUR, rent 400 EUR → approx. 100–160 EUR Wohngeld

Note: The exact values depend on many factors – e.g. health insurance contributions, tax class, and individual allowances. These example calculations are for guidance only. For a definitive calculation, contact the Wohngeldstelle or use the application service.

Income Limits as a Guide

As a rough rule of thumb, you can use the following guidelines for Bochum (Mietstufe III). The actual limits depend on your specific rent amount:

👤 1 person: Approximate income limit around 1,200–1,450 EUR gross (depending on rent)
👥 2 persons: Approximate income limit around 1,700–2,000 EUR gross
👨‍👩‍👦 3 persons: Approximate income limit around 2,100–2,500 EUR gross
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 4 persons: Approximate income limit around 2,600–3,100 EUR gross

Why Exact Calculation Is Difficult

The official Wohngeld formula under the WoGG is highly complex and uses multiple calculation steps with table values defined by law. Factors such as health insurance contributions, tax class, allowances for severe disability, or maintenance payments make each calculation individual. For this reason, we recommend having the definitive calculation performed by the Wohngeldstelle or a certified application service.

As of August 2026. Wohngeld parameters are regularly adjusted by statutory order. The most current values can be found at the Wohngeldstelle Bochum.

More About Wohngeld Calculation

Deepen your knowledge: Also read our pages on the factors determining Wohngeld amounts and the applicable income limits.

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Amount & Calculation

Wohngeld Knowledge → 💶

Income Limits

Wohngeld Knowledge →