Overview
- BA guidance (FW 11.45) assigns Wohngeld paid at the end of a month to the following target month, which can nullify an SGB II claim in the application month and trigger a denial despite need.
- Although FW 12a.12 requires Jobcenters to prefinance to secure subsistence and later reclaim under SGB X §§103/104 or FW 12a.15, practice often postpones payouts; advisers urge insisting on written decisions to preserve retroactive claims.
- Real cases show rent falling due while authorities sort reimbursement, creating a cash gap despite formal entitlement and leaving applicants to bridge living costs without support.
- Wohngeld asset guidance remains unchanged for 2026 per BMWSB, with “significant assets” generally at €60,000 for singles plus €30,000 per additional person and certain allowances, including a reported €1,800 income disregard for severe disability or care.
- The government’s draft to replace Bürgergeld with a stricter Grundsicherung from 1 July 2026 would end the grace period, introduce lower age‑tiered asset allowances, cap covered housing costs earlier, and tighten sanctions, while Greens press to spare households with children from penalties as the reforms are debated.