Wohngeld Plus and the increases
Housing benefit (Wohngeld) has recently been strengthened considerably: the 2023 Wohngeld Plus reform brought higher amounts and more eligible households, and the 2025 adjustment raised the limits again. The 2025 values apply for 2026.
Wohngeld Plus: the 2023 reform
The Wohngeld Plus Act has applied since 1 January 2023. It raised housing benefit markedly on average – to around 370 € a month across Germany – and noticeably widened the circle of eligible households. In Hamburg, the number of housing benefit households more than doubled between 2022 and 2023.
Two new components were added: a heating-cost component and a climate component, which cushion the rise in energy costs. Both have been a fixed part of the calculation ever since.
The 2025 adjustment
On 1 January 2025, the income limits were raised again – by around five per cent. Example: for a single person in Hamburg, the limit rose from 2.166 € to 2.275 € (after the 30 per cent deduction). The rent level 6 maximum amounts also rose – for one person from 720,60 € to 744,60 €.
What applies in 2026
For 2026, the values remain unchanged compared with 2025 – both the income limits and the maximum amounts. The Housing Benefit Act (Wohngeldgesetz) also provides for regular adjustments so that the benefit keeps pace with how rents and incomes develop.
How the maximum amount is made up (rent level 6)
The maximum amount consists of the base amount under the Housing Benefit Act plus the flat-rate heating-cost and climate supplements – here for Hamburg:
| Household | Base amount | Heating-cost supplement | Climate supplement | Maximum amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 615,00 € | 110,40 € | 19,20 € | 744,60 € |
| 2 people | 745,00 € | 142,60 € | 24,80 € | 912,40 € |
| 3 people | 887,00 € | 170,20 € | 29,60 € | 1.086,80 € |
| 4 people | 1.035,00 € | 197,80 € | 34,40 € | 1.267,20 € |
| 5 people | 1.183,00 € | 225,40 € | 39,20 € | 1.447,60 € |
Frequently asked questions
How high was the last housing benefit increase?
The last adjustment took effect on 1 January 2025: income limits and maximum amounts rose by around five per cent. The big Wohngeld Plus reform came in 2023.
What is the heating-cost component?
A fixed supplement in the calculation, designed to cushion the rise in energy costs. Since 2023 it has been part of the maximum amount – together with the climate component.
Will housing benefit rise further in 2026?
The 2025 values apply unchanged for 2026. The law provides for regular adjustments to how rents and incomes develop – future increases are therefore built in.