Housing benefit application in Frankfurt

Not every housing benefit application in Frankfurt is the same. The Housing Benefit Act (Wohngeldgesetz, WoGG) distinguishes whether you are applying for the first time, extending a current award, asking for a higher amount, or reporting a change in the household. Choosing the right type avoids follow-up questions and stops a case running under the wrong legal consequence.

Tenants apply for the rent subsidy (Mietzuschuss), owner-occupiers for the owner subsidy (Lastenzuschuss). The application types themselves apply to both forms of benefit.

Submit a first application if you do not yet receive housing benefit or are starting again after a break. It covers the dwelling, household members and the income of everyone who must be counted. Whether you qualify depends on the eligibility rules of the WoGG, not on a flat income limit.

Awarded housing benefit is usually paid from the first day of the month in which the application reaches the competent authority. Months before the application are not covered. So the date of receipt counts, not the later decision.

If the award period is running out, you need a renewal application. A typical time is about two months before the end date shown on the decision notice. The authority then reassesses the claim.

If the rent rises or further countable people move in, an increase application can adjust the current award. Other changes – such as a move, a job change or a separation – belong in the change application and under the duty to notify. In Frankfurt the change application is often still handled on paper, while first, renewal and increase applications are often possible electronically.

A housing benefit application usually includes evidence of the dwelling, the income of all household members and identity. For rent that means the tenancy agreement and payment receipts; for an owner subsidy, documents on the housing burden. The filterable overview is under Documents.

Incomplete evidence delays the decision. Submit copies and keep originals ready if they are requested. Non-EU nationals also need their residence title; notes on that are under Residence and newcomers.

A first application, renewal and increase can in many cases be submitted as an online application. The change application in Frankfurt often still runs on paper. Regardless of the channel, competence stays with the Housing Office, because it follows the location of the dwelling.

After receipt the authority assesses eligibility and amount. Frankfurt am Main is assigned to Mietenstufe VI; the maximum amounts of countable rent are 615 euros for one person, 745 euros for two, 887 euros for three, 1,035 euros for four and 1,183 euros for five. Each further household member adds 149 euros.

The award period is usually twelve months, and up to 24 months in comparatively stable circumstances. Details on the amount and the calculation help you read the later decision notice. If the application is refused, refusal reasons and an appeal are the next step.

Housing benefit is aimed at households with low income above basic income support. Typical situations are a pension, employment, families and single parents. Anyone who receives Bürgergeld with housing costs included is usually excluded.

A guide by life situation is under Who it is for. The general exclusions are under Transfer benefits.