Housing Allowance Calculator
Check your entitlement to housing allowance. Calculation according to the Housing Allowance Act with rent level and income.
Household Information
Housing Benefit per Month
€71.00
Housing Benefit per Year
€852.00
Note: This calculation is for guidance only. Actual housing benefit depends on the rent level of the municipality, heating cost component, and other factors. Since 2023, the Housing Benefit Plus Act applies with increased benefits. As of: 2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is entitled to housing benefit (Wohngeld)?
Wohngeld is available to low-income households who earn too much for Bürgergeld but too little to afford adequate housing. Since the 2023 reform, significantly more households are eligible.
How is housing benefit calculated?
The amount depends on household income, number of household members, and the local rent level. The formula considers rent caps that vary by municipality and household size.
Are 2026 standard rates reflected?
Yes — Bürgergeld, child benefit (€255/child), Wohngeld and other social benefits are all set to 2026 rates. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and German social code (SGB).
Guide
Quick Answer
The housing benefit calculator computes the rent subsidy or mortgage subsidy for low-income households under the Housing Benefit Act.
What is the Housing Allowance Calculator?
The housing benefit calculator computes the rent subsidy or mortgage subsidy for low-income households under the Housing Benefit Act.
How does the Housing Allowance Calculator work?
Enter household size, total income and rent. The calculator applies the housing benefit formula linking income, rent and household size. Since the Wohngeld-Plus reform of 2023 significantly more households qualify.
Key Data and Facts
Average housing benefit 2026: approx. 370 euros/month. Income, rent and household size determine the amount. Heating and climate components included since 2023.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the housing benefit step by step: 1. Determine the household size: count all persons who live in the household and form an economic unit. 2. Determine the total income: the gross income of all household members, less work-related expenses, taxes and social security contributions. A flat rate of 10-30 % is deducted from the gross amount. Child benefit and parental allowance (up to 300 EUR) are not counted. 3. Enter the rental costs: the gross cold rent or the burden for owners. Maximum amounts apply depending on the rent level of the municipality (I to VII). Since 2023 a heating-cost component and a climate component have been added. 4. Housing benefit formula: the calculator applies the statutory formula under Paragraph 19 WoGG, which incorporates income, rent and household members into a complex calculation. 5. Submit an application: housing benefit is only paid from the month of application, retroactive payment is not possible. Example: a single employee in Hamburg (rent level VI), gross income 1,800 EUR per month, rent 650 EUR (warm). Adjusted income after deductions: about 1,350 EUR. Maximum rent for rent level VI (1 person): 633 EUR. Housing benefit: about 210 EUR per month. Since the Wohngeld-Plus reform about 2 million households are entitled. Pensioners with a low pension can also receive housing benefit.
Calculation Example
Alleinstehend, Hamburg, gross 1.800 EUR/month, Miete 650 EUR. Bereinigtes income: ca. 1.350 EUR. Wohngeld: ca. 210 EUR/month.
Sources · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
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