Household Members for Wohngeld — Who Counts?

The number of household members is a decisive factor for the amount of your Wohngeld. More people in the household generally mean higher Wohngeld — but also higher total income, which is offset.

Who Counts as a Household Member?

The household includes all persons who live together and share their finances. This is typically: the applicant themselves, the spouse or partner, children (including adult children as long as they are in education), and parents or grandparents living in the same household. Flatmates do not count as part of the household.

Examples of Household Sizes

• Single person in a 1-room apartment: 1 household member
• Couple without children: 2 household members
• Single parent with one child: 2 household members
• Family with two children: 4 household members
• Couple with one child and a dependent grandmother: 4 household members

Income of All Household Members

For Wohngeld calculation, the total income of ALL household members is added together. Exception: child benefit and certain other benefits do not count as income. Allowances for severely disabled persons or single parents can also reduce the assessable income.