Overview
- An administrative court in Mainz denied a 50‑year‑old long‑term student’s application, ruling that studies not pursued seriously and purposefully do not create a Wohngeld entitlement.
- BAföG eligibility generally blocks Wohngeld for students, who must have BAföG assessed first, with limited exceptions such as BAföG granted only as a full loan.
- Households can receive Wohngeld and Kinderzuschlag at the same time, yet they require separate applications and are paid separately by the Wohngeldstelle and the Familienkasse.
- Wohngeld‑Plus includes a statutory heating‑cost component and a climate element, and 2025 parameter increases raise typical awards, with examples indicating retirees near €1,000 monthly pension may receive roughly €200–€400 depending on rent and location.
- Safeguards include tenant‑first payment unless consent or narrow exceptions allow direct landlord transfers under §26 WoGG, the possibility of reclaiming overpayments for errors or unreported changes, and an additional €1,800 income disregard per eligible household member with severe disability or care needs.