Overview
- The Verwaltungsgericht Mainz rejected a 50‑year‑old applicant who had been enrolled for 26 years, finding his prolonged studies without a realistic path to completion made Wohngeld misuse likely.
- Student eligibility remains narrow because a basic entitlement to BAföG excludes Wohngeld, and BAföG must be applied for and assessed before any housing benefit claim.
- A BAföG refusal due to high parental or partner income does not create a Wohngeld right, as maintenance obligations take precedence in such cases.
- Since the 2023 Wohngeld‑Plus reform, heating costs are accounted for via a standardized component added to the calculation rather than by reimbursing actual bills.
- Wohngeld is generally paid monthly in advance to tenants, can in specific cases be sent directly to landlords under §26 WoGG, can be reclaimed if overpaid, and was increased from 1 January 2025; Kinderzuschlag can be received concurrently but is applied for and paid separately.