Work in Germany. Additional allowance in Germany. Nearly 2 million households, with around 4.5 million people, may be eligible for additional funds this year. In 2024, the housing allowance (Wohngeld) in Germany is available to both renters and homeowners. If your income falls below a certain threshold, you can apply for this assistance. It’s important to note that Wohngeld is a subsidy that does not need to be repaid, and you can receive up to EUR 370 per month.
Housing allowance in Germany 2024
Nearly 2 million households, totaling 4.5 million people, can benefit from this assistance. Both renters and homeowners with incomes below a certain threshold are eligible for the supplement.
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Wohngeld offers significant financial aid, particularly for retirees and families, including single parents, who make up approximately half of its recipients. Families constitute about 40 percent of the beneficiaries. This housing allowance, like Bürgergeld, is disbursed in advance, enabling recipients to afford their rent at the start of each month.
How much is housing allowance?
In Germany, the maximum housing benefit, or Wohngeld, is EUR 370 per month. The actual amount depends on the household size and income. RTL.de provided calculation examples using data from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, and Construction. Here they are:
Married couple with one child
- Monthly gross income: 1,900.00 euros
- Total monthly income after taking into account various contributions: 1,438.34 euros
- Monthly gross rent: 500.00 euros
- Housing benefit: €335.00
Single parents with 2 children (9 and 13 years old)
- Monthly gross income: 1,460.00 euros
- Total monthly income after taking into account various contributions: 1,101.34 euros
- Monthly gross rent: 650.00 euros
- Housing benefit: €183.00
A married couple with 2 children
- Total monthly income: 1,764.67 euros
- Gross rent to be paid per month: EUR 770.00
- Housing benefit: €275.00
Single retiree
- Gross monthly pension: 860.00 euros
- Monthly gross rent: EUR 335.00
- Housing benefit: €250.00
A married couple with 3 children who live with their grandmother
- Total monthly income: 1,764.67 euros
- Monthly gross rent: 770.00 euros
- Housing benefit: €275.00
These figures are examples and can vary based on several factors. It’s important to consider additional benefits like Kindergeld (child benefit) and Kinderzuschlag (child allowance) in the calculations.
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Payment of Wohngeld housing allowance
Similar to Bürgergeld, housing benefit is provided in advance, allowing recipients to use the subsidy to cover their rent by the first of each month. The table below outlines the transfer dates indicating when the latest payment will be made:
| Month | Payout date | day of the week |
| October 2024 | September 30, 2024 | Monday |
| November 2024 | October 31, 2024 | Thursday |
| December 2024 | November 29, 2024 | Friday |
| January 2025 | December 31, 2024 | Tuesday |