Wohngeld application: form, documents and deadlines

At the housing benefit office of the municipality, town or district where you live. The federal states offer the application online. In North Rhine-Westphalia this works for every municipality via the state's Wohngeld calculator: first calculate without obligation, then apply online directly and upload the proofs.

Under § 25 of the Housing Benefit Act (WoGG), the approval period begins on the first day of the month in which you submitted the Wohngeld application. If the conditions are only met later, it begins on the first day of that later month. For months before the month of application the law usually provides no payment.

The right application for Mietzuschuss or Lastenzuschuss and copies of your proofs. In NRW the state also provides two forms: the earnings certificate, which the employer fills in, and the landlord's details on the home. Wohngeld depends on the income of all household members.

According to the Federal Building Ministry, people whose housing costs are already covered by another benefit usually get no Wohngeld. This includes Bürgergeld, social assistance and basic income support. The NRW information sheet then advises contacting your housing benefit office for advice.

Usually for twelve months. The office can shorten the period or, if circumstances are likely to stay the same, extend it to up to 24 months. Then you submit a continuation application. One that arrives more than two months before the end only counts from the first day of the second month before the end.

Report without delay if fewer people live in the household, the rent falls by more than 15 percent or income rises by more than 15 percent. If the rent rises by more than 10 percent, income falls by more than 10 percent or someone joins the household, you can apply for an increase.