Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Germany

Wohngeld is a rent subsidy for lower-income households in Germany, 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.

Good to know — wherever you live

• ✓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.