Housing benefit in Frankfurt

Housing benefit is a subsidy towards housing costs under the Housing Benefit Act (Wohngeldgesetz, WoGG). Tenants receive it as a rent subsidy (Mietzuschuss), owner-occupiers as an owner subsidy (Lastenzuschuss). It does not cover the rent in full; it reduces the burden that remains after countable income is taken into account.

Three figures decide the outcome: the number of countable household members, total income, and the countable rent or housing burden up to the maximum amount for the local rent level.

Frankfurt am Main is assigned to Mietenstufe VI in the annex to the Housing Benefit Ordinance (Wohngeldverordnung) – the second-highest level. In expensive housing markets the maximum countable rent is higher than in rural areas. That raises the threshold at which a household can still receive housing benefit.

For a one-person household the maximum in level VI is 615 euros, for two people 745 euros, for three 887 euros, for four 1,035 euros and for five 1,183 euros. Each further household member adds 149 euros. A heating-cost component and a climate component are added on top; details are on the pages Heating costs and Maximum amounts.

You may qualify if you live in a dwelling in Frankfurt, pay the housing costs yourself and do not receive a priority transfer benefit that already covers those costs. That applies to citizens’ benefit (Bürgergeld) and basic income support when housing costs have been included, and often to single students and trainees who are entitled to BAföG or BAB in principle.

A full overview of the exclusions is under Transfer benefits, the general rules under Eligibility. Typical audiences – from pensioners to the self-employed – are described under Who it is for.

An application usually includes the tenancy agreement, proof of the last two rent payments, income evidence for all household members and an identity document. Non-EU nationals also submit their residence title. Owner-occupiers need documents on the housing burden. The full, filterable list is under Documents.

There is a first application, a renewal application before the award period ends, and an increase application if the rent rises or more household members join. An overview of all application types: Housing benefit application.

There is no single income limit in euros that applies to every household. The calculation links rent, income and household size. If the actual gross cold rent exceeds the maximum, the application is not refused for that reason alone – the excess is simply left out of the calculation.

Rent for housing-benefit purposes is the gross cold rent without heating, hot water, electricity or a parking space. After an award, housing benefit usually runs for twelve months, and for up to 24 months in stable circumstances. Changes of more than 15 per cent in income or rent can trigger a duty to notify.

Whether you live in Sachsenhausen, Bornheim, Höchst or Kalbach: Mietenstufe VI applies across the whole of Frankfurt am Main, and the same office remains responsible. A guide by area is under Districts. Recipients of housing benefit may also use the Frankfurt-Pass and Hessenpass mobil.