Frequently Asked Questions about Wohngeld in Dortmund

You submit the application to the Wohngeldstelle of the City of Dortmund – online or by post. The online application guides you through all details step by step.

Yes. The Wohngeld application can be submitted digitally in Dortmund – without an appointment and without a personal visit.

ID, tenancy agreement or landlord confirmation and proof of income for the last twelve months. The complete checklist is on the documents page.

No. The application is submitted in writing or online – no personal appointment is required.

The Wohngeldstelle reviews your application and documents, issues the decision and, if approved, pays Wohngeld monthly.

Yes – within one month after the decision has been delivered, in writing to the Wohngeldstelle. The appeal page shows all steps.

Tenants whose household income does not cover the rent – provided they do not receive benefits such as Bürgergeld or basic income support.

There is no fixed minimum income. However, anyone with so little income that even Wohngeld would not secure the subsistence minimum is referred to Bürgergeld.

No. Bürgergeld already includes housing costs – the two benefits exclude each other.

Yes. The child supplement does not exclude Wohngeld – for many families this combination is the right path.

Yes, if the pension is not enough for the rent. Only recipients of basic income support in old age or for reduced earning capacity are excluded.

Anyone who receives BAföG or is eligible for funding in principle does not get Wohngeld. Students without BAföG eligibility – for example after exceeding the age limit – can receive Wohngeld.

Yes, Wohngeld is not tied to German citizenship. Residence status and benefits received are decisive – asylum-seeker benefits exclude it.

Everyone who lives and manages the household together – including children. The household income is considered jointly.

That depends on income, rent, household size and Dortmund's rent level 3. The application service calculates with your data.

Dortmund belongs to rent level 3 – in the middle range of rent levels 1 to 7.

The maximum amount caps the rent taken into account in the calculation – depending on rent level and household size. It is in the Wohngeld table.

The principle yes, the exact amount only with the current table values. Easier is the application service – it calculates with your data.

On average around 15 percent more Wohngeld than in 2024 – plus higher income limits that make further households eligible.

Yes, child benefit is included in the household income calculation.

At Südwall 2–4, 44122 Dortmund – City of Dortmund, Amt für Wohnen – Wohngeldstelle.

General questions: 0231 50-13276, questions about your Wohngeld: 0231 50-23333. Phone hours: Mon and Tue 13:00–15:00, Thu 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–15:30, Fri 08:00–12:00.

Online via the City of Dortmund's appointment system: select the Wohngeldangelegenheiten concern and reserve your preferred date.

Personal visits are by appointment. By phone, the phone hours apply from Monday to Friday.

Yes. You can send applications and documents by post to the Wohngeldstelle at Südwall 2–4.

Approved Wohngeld is transferred to your account monthly. Your approval notice states the concrete transfer date.

From the first day of the month in which the application was submitted. No payment is made for earlier months.

No. The application month is decisive – so: the earlier you apply, the better.

Yes. Changes in income, rent or household size must be reported to the Wohngeldstelle without delay.

Yes, if your circumstances have changed or you consider the refusal incorrect – in the latter case an appeal helps.