Wohngeld requirements: who is entitled?
Wohngeld is available to households that cannot fully cover their housing costs on their own. Whether you are entitled depends on a few key requirements. Here is the complete overview – tailored to Leipzig.
Residence and main home in Leipzig
Wohngeld is only paid for the main home. You must be registered with your main residence in Leipzig. Anyone with several homes only receives Wohngeld for one of them.
Who counts as part of the household?
The household includes everyone who lives and manages finances together – for example spouses, partners and children. The number of household members affects the amount of Wohngeld.
Income between minimum income and income limit
Wohngeld is not a subsistence benefit: a minimum income must be available. At the same time, the household's total income must not exceed the applicable income limit.
Tenant of an apartment
Wohngeld is paid here as a rent subsidy (Mietzuschuss) to tenants. Requirements are an existing tenancy agreement and actual use of the apartment.
When Wohngeld is not paid
Anyone receiving Bürgergeld, basic income support in old age or in case of reduced earning capacity, social welfare or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act is not entitled to Wohngeld – housing costs are already covered there. Anyone entitled in principle to BAföG, vocational training allowance or Schüler-BAföG is also excluded.
These benefits do not exclude Wohngeld
- Kinderzuschlag (child supplement) and Wohngeld can be received at the same time.
- Wohngeld is independent of age – pensioners and employees can also be entitled.
- Earned income does not exclude Wohngeld as long as the income limit is respected.
Frequently asked questions about the requirements
Who is entitled to Wohngeld?
Tenants with their main residence in Leipzig whose household has a minimum income, does not exceed the income limit and does not receive benefits such as Bürgergeld, basic income support or BAföG.
Does my partner count as part of the household?
Yes. Spouses, partners and children who live and manage finances together with you count as part of the household and are included in the income and the calculation.
Can I get Wohngeld if I work?
Yes, employees can also receive Wohngeld if the household income does not exceed the income limit. Earned income is taken into account with allowances.
Can I receive Wohngeld and Kinderzuschlag at the same time?
Yes. Anyone receiving Wohngeld with children under 25 in the household can also apply for Kinderzuschlag – the two benefits do not exclude each other.
Apply for Wohngeld now
Make use of your entitlement – start your Wohngeld application directly.
Start your Wohngeld application now