Germany Clarifies Wohngeld Rules, Including Homeowners’ Lastenzuschuss

Overview

• Wohngeld is a means-tested housing subsidy for low-income households, and owners who live in their homes can receive the homeowner version called the Lastenzuschuss.
• Entitlement and the payout size depend on household income, recognized housing costs set by a local rent level system called Mietstufen, and the number of people in the home under seven rent levels in the Wohngeld law.
• For owners, eligible costs include mortgage interest and repayments, a flat 36 euros per square meter each year for upkeep and running costs, property tax, administration, insurance, and some heating costs.
• People already receiving benefits that cover housing costs, such as Bürgergeld, basic security or BAföG, are not eligible, and guidance cites asset limits of 60,000 euros for the applicant plus 30,000 euros for each additional household member.
• Payments are made in advance for the coming month on the last working day of the prior month, entitlement usually starts in the month of application, and retroactive pay is only possible after a denied claim for Bürgergeld or basic security, with the ministry’s calculator recommended and a consumer warning issued about the commercial site online-wohngeld.de.