Overview
- Wohngeld rose on January 1, 2025 by roughly 15% (about €30 a month), with the government estimating around two million beneficiary households, yet consumer advisers report that many—especially pensioners—have not applied.
- Wohngeld eligibility requires income above a household-specific minimum derived from rule-needs plus rent; benefits start only from the month of application, and local offices typically require an employer earnings certificate covering the previous 12 months.
- Employers must complete the official earnings form on request under Section 23 of the Wohngeld Act, and applicants are urged to use the federal calculator and submit claims only to municipal Wohngeld offices, avoiding fee‑charging third‑party sites.
- Pflegegeld for home care (grades 2–5) increased by 4.5% in 2025 and can be paid retroactively from the application date, but missed counseling visits, hospital or rehab stays over four weeks, or fully used in‑kind services can reduce or halt payments.
- Bürgergeld standard rates were not raised for 2025, but the program still covers adequate housing and heating plus add‑ons such as single‑parent supplements and education benefits for children; retirees with under about €1,062 a month are advised to check Grundsicherung and applicable pension income exemptions.