Overview
- Germany’s housing ministry confirms the longstanding asset guideline figures remain in place for 2026: €60,000 for the first household member and €30,000 for each additional person, with case-by-case discretion.
- Entitlement is calculated individually from household size, total assessable income and eligible rent or owner burden, with the Wohngeld‑Plus reform and the 1 January 2025 increase still governing awards.
- Certain receipts do not count as income for Wohngeld, including child benefit, the child supplement, education and participation benefits, care allowance and small tax‑free volunteer or instructor allowances.
- Work‑related expense allowances and other deductions reduce assessable income for Wohngeld purposes, with an employee lump sum of €1,230 per year and a €102 annual lump sum for pensioners, and higher proven costs possible.
- A minimum income is required to cover standard needs plus housing costs, and Wohngeld and the child supplement can be claimed together via separate applications with separate payments and different payout schedules.