Overview

• The subsidy was raised on January 1, 2025 by about 15 percent, with typical monthly amounts now around €300 according to federal guidance cited in recent coverage.
• No further adjustment is planned for 2026 under the biennial formula, with the next scheduled recalculation in January 2027.
• Eligibility depends on household size, actual rent or owner costs, and total household income, with local rent limits affecting outcomes.
• Renters and owner‑occupiers can apply, including pensioners via Wohngeld Plus or a Lastenzuschuss, with applications filed at local Wohngeld offices and many regions offering online forms.
• Awards are usually granted for twelve months and paid monthly in advance, and recipients of benefits that already cover housing costs such as Bürgergeld, Grundsicherung, Sozialhilfe, BAföG or BAB are generally excluded; about 1.2 million households currently receive Wohngeld, including many families and retirees.