Housing benefit in Hamburg – help towards your rent
Housing benefit (Wohngeld) is a state subsidy towards housing costs for households on low or middle incomes. Hamburg is in rent level 6, which makes the support here particularly generous. Check now whether you qualify.
Housing benefit in Hamburg at a glance
Rent level 6
Hamburg is in Germany's second-highest rent level, so housing benefit here is correspondingly high.
Ø €318 per month
Average housing benefit in Hamburg in 2023.
No office appointment
You can apply online, via the app or by post – a personal visit is not necessary.
12 months
Housing benefit is normally granted for 12 months – after that you submit a renewal application.
Everything about housing benefit in Hamburg
What is housing benefit?
How the subsidy works, who receives it and what makes Hamburg special.
Learn moreRequirements
Income limits 2026, minimum income and assets – with a table for rent level 6.
Learn moreAmount & calculation
How your housing benefit is calculated – with the formula, rent level 6 and worked examples.
Learn moreApply for housing benefit in Hamburg
Online application, Wohngeld app and document checklist – explained step by step.
Learn moreHousing benefit offices
The housing benefit office responsible for your district: addresses, postal address and hotline.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Answers to the most important questions – from citizen's allowance to appeals.
Learn moreYour housing benefit application in three steps
Check your eligibility
Compare your income, rent and household size with the rent level 6 limits.
Gather your documents
Tenancy agreement, proof of income and other documents – our checklist will help.
Submit your application
Online, via the Wohngeld app or by post – with no need to visit in person.
Frequently asked questions
Who is entitled to housing benefit in Hamburg?
Households on low or middle incomes that do not receive benefits such as citizen's allowance (Bürgergeld) or social assistance. What matters is your income, rent, household size and Hamburg's rent level 6.
How much housing benefit is paid in Hamburg?
It depends on the individual case. In 2023, the average housing benefit in Hamburg was around €318 a month – thanks to rent level 6, Hamburg is one of the cities with the highest amounts.
Where do I apply for housing benefit in Hamburg?
The housing benefit office at your district office is responsible. You can submit your application online, via the Wohngeld app or by post – a personal visit is not necessary.