Berlin · Wohngeld
Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Berlin
Wohngeld is a rent subsidy for lower-income households in Berlin, paid by the local Wohngeldstelle. More people qualify than expect to since the 2023 reform — it's worth checking even on a modest salary.
Free to apply; decisions take ~4–8 weeks. Paid monthly, usually granted for 12 months at a time.
What you need to bring
- Passport or IDRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: Issued by your home country. Renew at your country's embassy or consulate in Germany — appointments can take weeks, so check the expiry early.
- Rental contractRequired
How to get it: Signed with your landlord when renting. Keep both the contract and the handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll).
- Proof of income (all household members)Required
How to get it: Usually recent payslips, your employment contract, or a tax assessment. Self-employed: a profit statement (BWA) or your Steuerbescheid.
- MeldebescheinigungRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: You receive it at your Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt. Lost it? Request a new copy at the Bürgeramt (small fee, often bookable online).
- Bank statements / rent payment proofIf applicable
How to get it: Download as PDF from your online banking. Offices usually want the last 3 months.
- Wohngeld application form of your cityRequired
Can you do it online?
Wohngeld is handled by your city/state — we open your state portal where we have it, otherwise search '<your city> Wohngeld online'.
Open the official portal ↗Good to know
- Eligibility depends on household size, rent and income — use an online Wohngeldrechner to check before applying.
- It's handled per city/state; search '<your city> Wohngeld Antrag' for the right form or portal.
- You can't get Wohngeld at the same time as Bürgergeld or BAföG — those have their own housing components.
- Have your rental contract, income proof for everyone in the household, and your registration certificate ready.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for Wohngeld in Berlin?
You'll need 5 key documents: Passport or ID, Rental contract, Proof of income (all household members), Meldebescheinigung, Wohngeld application form of your city. Berlin's Bürgeramt appointments are the scarcest in Germany — book the moment you have an address.
Can I do Wohngeld online in Berlin?
Wohngeld is handled by your city/state — we open your state portal where we have it, otherwise search '<your city> Wohngeld online'.
Which office handles Wohngeld in Berlin?
Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Berlin is handled at the local level in Berlin. The exact office and any forms are linked from the official source on this page, and the Amtly app opens the right Berlin / Berlin portal for you.
Checklist last verified 2026-06-11. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.