When Wohngeld is not paid: exclusions
Not every low-income household can receive Wohngeld. Certain benefits exclude Wohngeld – because housing costs are already included there. Here is an overview of all exclusions.
These benefits exclude Wohngeld
You cannot receive Wohngeld if you or a household member receives one of the following benefits:
- Bürgergeld
- Basic income support in old age and in case of reduced earning capacity
- Social welfare (subsistence assistance)
- Benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
- BAföG, vocational training allowance (BAB) or Schüler-BAföG – if an entitlement exists in principle
Waiving or reductions change nothing
No Wohngeld entitlement arises even if you waive one of these benefits or it is not paid due to reductions. What matters is the legal entitlement to the benefit.
Income too high also means: no Wohngeld
If the household income is above the applicable income limit, there is also no entitlement. The limit depends on household size, rent and rent level.
Wohngeld or Bürgergeld? The difference
| Wohngeld | Subsidy towards housing costs for households with their own income, for example from work or pension |
|---|---|
| Bürgergeld | Subsistence support including housing costs when income is not enough to live on |
| Priority | Wohngeld takes priority: it is meant to prevent a household from depending on Bürgergeld |
These benefits do NOT exclude Wohngeld
- Kinderzuschlag – can be received together with Wohngeld
- Child benefit (Kindergeld)
- Earned income
- Statutory pension
Frequently asked questions about the exclusions
Why does Bürgergeld exclude Wohngeld?
Bürgergeld already includes the costs of accommodation. An additional Wohngeld payment would cover housing costs twice – which is why receiving both at the same time is excluded.
What if I do not receive Bürgergeld?
If your income is enough for living costs but not for housing costs, Wohngeld is often the right benefit – for example if a Bürgergeld application was rejected because the income was too high.
Does waiving Bürgergeld also count as an exclusion?
Yes. Anyone who waives an excluding benefit or does not receive it due to reductions still gets no Wohngeld as long as the entitlement to the benefit exists.
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