Current for 2026•As of: July 2026

Housing Benefit Calculator 2026 calculate housing benefit.

Calculate your housing benefit (Wohngeld) entitlement incl. Wohngeld Plus with heating and climate component, 7 rent levels and current income limits

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Household size

1 8
0 1

Income (all household members)

EUR
0 EUR5,000 EUR

10% flat-rate deduction (§ 16 WoGG)

10% flat-rate deduction (§ 16 WoGG)

10% flat-rate deduction (§ 16 WoGG)

EUR
0 EUR1,000 EUR

Housing situation

Home ownership with loan charges

EUR
0 EUR1,500 EUR
EUR
0 EUR300 EUR
EUR
0 EUR300 EUR
m²
20 m²200 m²

Likely entitlement

€310.00

Housing benefit per month

Housing benefit per year€3,720.00

Housing costs taken into account

Actual costs (rent/utilities)€600.00
Maximum rent (rent level)€619.00
+ Heating cost component+€142.60
+ Climate component+€24.80
Taken into account€742.60

Income calculation

Gross income€2,000.00
- Tax/social insurance deduction-€600.00
Income taken into account€1,400.00

Eligibility check

Income limit approx. €2,073.00
2 people in the household

Notes

  • You are likely entitled to €310 of housing benefit per month.
  • The calculation includes the heating and climate component (Wohngeld Plus).

Wohngeld Plus since 2023

The heating and climate component automatically increase your housing benefit. These flat-rate supplements depend on your household size.

This calculation is for guidance only. The actual entitlement is checked by the housing benefit office and may differ.

Important note

These calculations are for non-binding information only and do not replace professional tax advice. All information without guarantee. Learn more

Sources & calculation basis

Our calculations are based on the following official sources (as of: July 2026):

Related guides

Bridging Unemployment

Housing benefit (Wohngeld) 2026: everything you need to know

State subsidy toward housing costs for households with a low income

Housing benefit (Wohngeld) is a state subsidy toward housing costs for households with a low income. Since the "Wohngeld Plus" reform in 2023, significantly more people are entitled to higher benefits.

Wohngeld Plus since 2023

approx. €110–225/month
Heating cost component - flat rate by household size (1–5 people)
approx. €19–39/month
Climate component - flat rate by household size (1–5 people)
+30% recipients
Significantly more households are now entitled to housing benefit

Requirements for housing benefit

These conditions must be met

  1. Income: Your income must be below a certain limit, but above the level required for citizen’s benefit (Bürgergeld). Housing benefit is aimed at households that can cover their own living costs but need support with housing costs.
  2. Rent level: Germany is divided into 7 rent levels, depending on the local rent price level. From rent level I (affordable regions such as Görlitz, Gera) to rent level VII (most expensive cities such as Munich, Starnberg).
  3. Maximum rent: There are upper limits for the rent taken into account, depending on the number of household members and the rent level of the municipality.

Who receives housing benefit?

Different groups of people can receive housing benefit:

Tenants
Rent subsidy for tenants
Homeowners
Subsidy toward loan repayments
Residents of care homes
Under certain conditions

No entitlement to housing benefit if:

You already receive other transfer benefits in which housing costs are already taken into account (citizen’s benefit, social assistance, BAföG with housing cost allowance).

Combining housing benefit and child supplement

Double support for families

An important combination: families can receive housing benefit and child supplement at the same time. This combination is intended to prevent families from having to rely on citizen’s benefit.

Tip: child supplement + housing benefit

If you have children, be sure to also check your entitlement to child supplement! Combined, you can receive up to several hundred euros extra per month.

Applying for housing benefit

How to apply for housing benefit

You apply for housing benefit at the housing benefit office (Wohngeldbehörde) of your municipality or city. Many municipalities now offer online applications.

Required documents

  1. Rental agreement or proof of ownership: Proof of your housing situation
  2. Income statements for all household members: Payslips, pension statements, etc.
  3. Utility bill statement: Breakdown of ongoing housing costs
  4. For homeowners: loan agreements: Proof of loan charges for the mortgage subsidy

Frequently asked questions about housing benefit

The most important answers at a glance

The amount of housing benefit depends on household size, rent level and income. A 2-person household in rent level III with €1,200 net income receives around €180–250 per month. The Wohngeld Plus reform of 2023 significantly increased the amounts and newly introduced the heating component (flat rate by household size).

The income limits depend on household size and rent level. As a guide: a single-person household in rent level III has a limit of around €1,600–1,800 gross income. Our calculator automatically checks whether you fall within the funding corridor.

With the Wohngeld Plus reform from January 2023, benefits were significantly expanded: a heating component and a climate component (both flat rate by household size), around 30% more people entitled. The 2024 reform increased the table values again. In 2026 the values of the second update ordinance still apply unchanged (next adjustment not until 01.01.2027).

Housing benefit is granted for 12 months. After that you must submit a renewal application. Submit it in good time (around 2 months before it expires) to avoid gaps.

If your income is not enough to cover your needs with housing benefit (and child supplement if applicable), you are entitled to citizen’s benefit. The job center checks which benefit is more favorable. As a rule of thumb: anyone who works and has a (low) income is usually better off with housing benefit plus child supplement.

Germany is divided into 7 rent levels – from rent level I (e.g. Görlitz, Gera) to rent level VII (e.g. Munich, Starnberg). The rent level determines the maximum rent recognized for housing benefit. Our calculator asks for your rent level; if you are unsure, you can find your municipality in the official housing benefit rent level table of the BMWSB.

No, housing benefit is tax-free and does not count as income for other social benefits. It also does not have to be repaid.

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