Wohngeld 2026: Eligibility Rules, Income Exemptions, and Disability Allowance Explained

Overview

• Wohngeld is calculated per case based on household size, total income and rent or owner burdens, with both tenants and owner-occupiers eligible.
• There is no size limit for a home; only the statutory rent or charge ceilings by Mietenstufe count, with single-person caps from €361 (I) to €677 (VII) plus heating and climate supplements introduced in 2023.
• Several payments are not treated as income, including child benefit, child supplement, education benefits, the tax-free volunteer allowances up to €3,000 a year, and care allowance; parts of parental allowance above the minimum and certain basic-pension relief are only partly counted.
• Significant assets exclude entitlement, with thresholds of €60,000 for the first household member and €30,000 for each additional member; awards are usually granted for 12 months starting from the month the application is filed.
• Current guidance also notes a reported €1,800 allowance on counted income per qualifying member with severe disability or care needs, and students entitled to BAföG are generally not eligible.