For tenants on a low income Indication
Housing benefit in Germany 2026 (Wohngeld)
Wohngeld is a rent subsidy. The amount depends on the number of household members, the rent up to the maximum for your rent level and income after deductions.
Result
| Item | Rate | Amount |
|---|
Explanation
Annual income is gross pay minus work expenses (at least the €1,230 employee lump sum), minus 10% each for taxes and contributions, minus allowances. M is the rent up to the maximum plus the climate component, plus the heating component; minimum values apply to M and Y (annex 3). Child benefit does not count as income. The values apply since 1 January 2025.
Note: an indication, not legal or tax advice
This calculation is based on the general statutory rules and the values published for 2026. It is not legal, tax or payroll advice. Collective agreements, employment contracts and works agreements may provide more favourable rules.
Sources and values used
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | 1.15 × (M − (a + b·M + c·Y) · Y) | Wohngeldgesetz, § 19 (Höhe des Wohngeldes) (in German) |
| Maximum rents | annex 1, per rent level I–VII | Wohngeldgesetz, Anlage 1 (Höchstbeträge) (in German) |
| Heating and climate component | 1 person: €110.40 / €19.20 | Wohngeldgesetz, § 12 (Höchstbeträge, Heizkosten- und Klimakomponente) (in German) |
| Flat-rate deduction | 10% each for tax, health/care and pension | Wohngeldgesetz, § 16 (pauschale Abzüge) (in German) |
| Rent levels of municipalities | Wohngeld Ordinance, annex | Wohngeldverordnung, Anlage (Mietstufen der Gemeinden) (in German) |
| Further source | Wohngeldgesetz, Anlage 3 (Rechenschritte und Mindestwerte) (in German) | |
| Further source | Wohngeldgesetz, § 17 (Freibeträge) (in German) | |
| Further source | BMWSB – Wohngeld (in German) | |
Sources checked on 15 October 2026.