Applying for housing benefit in Hamburg
In Hamburg you submit your housing benefit (Wohngeld) application online, via the Wohngeld app or by post – no need to visit in person. The housing benefit office at your district office is responsible.
The three ways to apply
Online
Via the City of Hamburg service portal – directly from home.
Wohngeld app
Complete your application on your smartphone, with progress tracking and document upload.
By post
Print it out, fill it in and send it to the central postal address – you can also drop it off at your local district housing benefit office.
Important: the month counts Housing benefit is paid from the month in which the application reaches the housing benefit office – there are no retroactive payments. So submit your application as early as possible.
How long is housing benefit paid for?
Normally for twelve months (the approval period). After that, you submit a renewal application – with the documents from the previous period, this is easier.
Who is responsible? The housing benefit office of the district in which you live. You will find all addresses, the central postal address and the hotline on the housing benefit offices page.
Your route to applying in detail
Everything you need to make your application:
Documents & checklist
Complete documents are half the battle: the more complete your application is when it reaches the housing benefit office, the more smoothly processing will run. This checklist shows what you normally need.
Learn moreOnline application & Wohngeld app
Hamburg is one of the digital pioneers: you can submit your housing benefit (Wohngeld) application entirely online or via the Wohngeld app – no printing and no office appointment. If you prefer the classic route, use the post.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Do I have to go to an office to apply for housing benefit?
No. You apply online, via the app or by post. You can also drop the application off in person at your local district housing benefit office.
Is housing benefit paid retroactively?
No. It is paid from the month in which the application is received. An application in August therefore means payments from August.
How long does processing take in Hamburg?
In Hamburg, processing currently takes around 17 weeks on average. You will find details and current figures on the processing time page.