Wohngeld income limits: what counts as income?
Whether Wohngeld is paid depends on the income of the entire household. Here you will learn what counts as income, which deductions and allowances exist and what minimum income and income limit mean.
What counts as income?
The annual income of all household members is taken into account – for example wages and salaries, pensions, maintenance payments, sick pay and unemployment benefit. What matters is the income expected during the benefit period.
These deductions and allowances exist
- Taxes and mandatory social security contributions
- Flat-rate income-related expenses
- Maintenance payments to separated relatives
- Allowances for severely disabled people
- Single-parent allowance
- Childcare costs
Minimum income: why there is a lower limit
Wohngeld is not a subsistence benefit. Anyone who cannot cover their living costs from their own income does not receive Wohngeld – other benefits then come into consideration. The law therefore requires a minimum income.
The income limit: no fixed figure
There is no flat-rate income limit: it depends on the number of household members, the rent and the rent level. Leipzig is in rent level II. The Wohngeld calculator can help you estimate whether your income is below the limit.
Good to know
- Wohngeld can also be paid with a low income above the minimum income.
- Applying is often worthwhile even if you are unsure – the Wohngeld office checks your entitlement.
To the Wohngeld calculator & rent level →
Frequently asked questions about income and limits
What is the income limit for Wohngeld?
The income limit is not a fixed amount. It depends on household size, rent and rent level. If the household income is above it, there is no entitlement to Wohngeld.
What is the minimum income for Wohngeld?
The minimum income ensures that Wohngeld is only paid if living costs can be covered from one's own income. Anyone below it has no Wohngeld entitlement.
Which deductions are made from income?
Among others: taxes, social security contributions, the flat-rate income-related expenses, maintenance payments and allowances for severely disabled people and single parents.
Apply for Wohngeld now
Make use of your entitlement – start your Wohngeld application directly.
Start your Wohngeld application now