Housing benefit, immigration and residence in Frankfurt
As of: August 2026
Yes, people with an immigration background can receive housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Frankfurt if a residence-law entitlement exists and the other housing-benefit conditions are met. EU citizens usually rely on free movement; third-country nationals on a residence title. Benefits under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act with covered accommodation usually exclude housing benefit.
The same rent level, an additional residence-law filter
Anyone who lives in Frankfurt is subject to Mietenstufe VI like any other household: a maximum of 615 euros for one person, 745 euros for two, 887 euros for three. Many newly arrived households rent flats in Höchst, Gallus or Sossenheim exactly in this corridor. The high rent alone does not decide; first the housing-benefit entitlement under residence status must be settled.
After that the same rules on income, household size and gross cold rent apply. See Amount and Eligibility. Being in work remains compatible with housing benefit: Employees.
Free movement, residence title, Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act
EU citizens and their family members are entitled to housing benefit if they have a right of residence under the EU Free Movement Act – typically as a worker, self-employed or with permanent residence. Third-country nationals need a residence title, a tolerated stay (Duldung) or one of the further residence situations named in the Housing Benefit Act, and must actually be in the federal territory.
Titles for seeking training or a job, the opportunity card and certain internship and voluntary-service titles are usually not entitled to housing benefit. Recipients of basic benefits under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act are excluded if housing costs sit in them. After recognition – for example refugee status or subsidiary protection – an application can be examinable. Boundary: Transfer benefits.
Which documents on residence are typically needed
Besides the tenancy agreement, rent payments and income evidence, non-EU nationals submit a valid residence title. EU citizens evidence free movement, for example through an employment contract and an identity document. The filterable list with the life situation non-EU is under Documents.
The Housing Office (Amt für Wohnungswesen), Adickesallee 67–69, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, receives the application. An expired title should be extended before the decision or the new title supplied later.
Example: a three-person household with earnings
Example for orientation, not a decision notice: two adults and a child live in Sossenheim. The gross cold rent is 960 euros. The maximum for level VI for three people is 887 euros. At most 887 euros therefore enter the calculation; 73 euros stay uncounted. Income consists of earnings subject to social insurance. One parent holds a residence title for the purpose of employment; benefits under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act are not received.
Whether housing benefit is paid depends on income – a euro amount is named only in the decision notice. Further situations: Employees, Families, Subtenants. Next: Application, Documents, Amount, Eligibility.
Start your Frankfurt application
Submit application online