Overview
- Entitlement depends on household income, size and local rent level, with rent caps for one person ranging from €361 (Stage I) to €677 (Stage VII) plus heating and climate components.
- There is no single income cutoff; applicants must show minimum means to cover living costs, and assets above €60,000 for the first member plus €30,000 per additional member generally bar eligibility.
- Child benefit and the child supplement are not counted as income and can be drawn alongside Wohngeld, while Bürgergeld, SGB XII support and BAföG with grants typically exclude it.
- The benefit is paid monthly in advance to recipients, may be directed to landlords with consent or in defined arrears or misuse cases under §26 WoGG, and overpayments can be reclaimed by authorities.
- A reported €1,800 allowance per eligible person with severe disability or care needs can increase calculated support, and a Mainz court denied a long‑term student’s claim for lack of serious study.