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Housing Benefit Calculator (Germany)

Calculate your housing benefit (Wohngeld) based on household size, income, rent, and rent level of your municipality.

€
€

Result

Not Eligible

Calculated Housing Benefit

€0.00

Max. Recognized Rent

€530.00

Actual Rent
€700.00
Max. Recognized Rent
€530.00
Income
€1,800.00
Housing Benefit
€0.00

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What Is Housing Benefit?

Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) is a government subsidy that helps low-income households in Germany cover their rent or homeowner costs. It is paid as a rent subsidy or burden subsidy and does not need to be repaid. Since the housing benefit reform of 2023, significantly more households are eligible.

How Is Housing Benefit Calculated?

The amount depends on three factors: the number of household members, the total household income, and the rent or burden. Rent is only considered up to a maximum amount that depends on the rent level of the municipality and the household size.

What Is the Rent Level?

Every municipality in Germany is assigned one of seven rent levels. The rent level reflects the local rental market: level 1 represents affordable areas, while level 7 applies to expensive cities like Munich or Frankfurt. The rent level determines the maximum recognized rent for the housing benefit calculation.

Applying for Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is applied for at the local housing benefit authority, usually at the town hall or district administration. Applications can also be submitted online. Housing Benefit is typically granted for 12 months and must be reapplied for after that period. This calculator provides an estimate of the expected amount. The official application determines the exact entitlement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) is a government subsidy for housing costs for low-income households in Germany. It is paid as a rent subsidy (for tenants) or a burden subsidy (for homeowners) and does not need to be repaid.
The rent level is based on the rental market of your municipality. Level 1 applies to areas with low rents, while level 7 applies to expensive cities. The rent level affects the maximum recognized rent for the calculation.
Low-income households that do not receive transfer payments such as Citizens Income (Buergergeld) are eligible. Your income must be sufficient to generally cover living expenses but not high enough to fully cover housing costs.
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser. No data is transmitted to or stored on any server.

All calculations are for general informational purposes only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. No guarantee of accuracy. Use at your own risk. Full disclaimer