Wohngeld & Other Benefits: When Is There No Entitlement?
Not all low-income households receive Wohngeld: certain social benefits exclude it. Here is the overview – including the benefits that do NOT exclude Wohngeld.
Households receiving benefits that already include housing costs do not receive Wohngeld – nor do those who are entitled to such benefits in principle. This mainly concerns Bürgergeld, basic income support and asylum-seeker benefits.
These benefits exclude Wohngeld
- Bürgergeld (basic income support for jobseekers, SGB II)
- Basic income support in old age and for reduced earning capacity (SGB XII)
- Subsistence assistance (SGB XII)
- Benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
- BAföG – students eligible for funding in principle do not receive Wohngeld
These benefits do NOT exclude Wohngeld
- Unemployment benefit I – ALG I recipients can receive Wohngeld
- Pensions and retirement benefits
- Child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) – Wohngeld and Kinderzuschlag can be combined
- Sick pay, parental allowance and maternity benefit
Wohngeld or Bürgergeld – what is the difference?
Wohngeld is a subsidy towards rent for households that generally cover their own living costs. Bürgergeld, by contrast, secures the entire subsistence minimum – including housing costs. The two benefits therefore exclude each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I receive Wohngeld when my Bürgergeld ends?
Yes. As soon as Bürgergeld is no longer paid, you can apply for Wohngeld – for example when you start a job.
Can I receive Wohngeld and Kinderzuschlag at the same time?
Yes, this combination is possible. Kinderzuschlag does not exclude Wohngeld – for many families this is the right path.
More about the requirements
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