Low-income households in Germany can apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld), a government contribution towards housing costs. In view of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the procedure for applying for housing benefit has recently been simplified. 

What is housing benefit (Wohngeld)?

Financially-stretched households in Germany can apply for housing benefit under certain conditions. The state benefit is given to anyone whose total monthly income falls under a set limit. They cannot be in receipt of other social security benefits like unemployment benefits or student grants. The exact amount a person receives is determined by a number of factors, including household income, rent level and the number of household members. 

To apply for the benefit, potential recipients usually have to submit an application to their local housing benefit office (Wohngeldbehörde). But, in view of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has instructed housing benefit agencies to simplify the procedure. 

Applying for housing benefit during coronavirus crisis

From now on, it will be possible to make a quick, informal application to most housing benefit offices by email or phone. In order to make quick decisions, authorities will also no longer be investigating first-time applicants’ assets or apartment sizes. 

Applicants will simply need to submit certain pieces of documentation, for example a rental certificate signed by their landlord, a copy of their rental contract, ID card or a registration certificate, as well as copies of their certificate of earnings, employment contract or payslips. Depending on the situation, other documents may be necessary, but evidence will be limited to “what is absolutely necessary for the calculation of housing benefit.” 

Employees who are in receipt of the short-term work allowance (Kurzarbeit) can also apply. They must provide information as to how much Kurzarbeit compensation they are receiving. 

Housing benefit has increased since January 2020

According to Stiftung Warentest, in recent years housing benefit beneficiaries in Germany have received an average of 150 euros per month. Since January 2020, the benefit has gone up by an average of 30 percent. Over the last few months, the average subsidy for tenants in a two-person household has risen from 145 to 190 euros.

It is not possible to make housing benefit applications retroactively - so if you think you are entitled to it, it’s important to make an application as soon as possible. It is usually paid out for a period of 12 months, after which a new application must be submitted.