Overview
- Households can combine Wohngeld with Kinderzuschlag, Kindergeld, Elterngeld, ALG I and pensions, but benefits that already cover housing costs (Bürgergeld/SGB II, SGB XII, most BAföG) generally bar eligibility.
- Entitlement hinges on a minimum ability to cover living costs and on regional rent levels (Mietenstufen I–VII), with per‑person rent caps from €361 to €677 plus heating and climate components; owners may qualify via the Lastenzuschuss.
- Assets above €60,000 for the first household member and €30,000 for each additional member typically exclude claims, while several items are not counted as income, including Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, Bildungs- und Teilhabeleistungen, Pflegegeld and approved volunteer allowances.
- A €1,800 income disregard per qualifying person can apply for severe disability or for persons being cared for, which can increase entitlement under current rules.
- Wohngeld is usually granted for about 12 months from the month of application, paid in advance and not retroactive; separate applications and payouts apply for Wohngeld and Kinderzuschlag, and a Mainz court ruling recently denied a long‑term student further payments as misuse, underscoring enforcement and possible recovery of funds.