Minimum income for housing benefit
Housing benefit (Wohngeld) is a subsidy towards housing costs – not assistance with living costs. That is why the law requires a minimum income: you must be able to cover your living costs yourself in principle.
The rule of thumb
As a guide: minimum income = 80 per cent of (standard rate of citizen's allowance + rent including heating + monthly commitments such as insurance contributions). For single people, the standard rate has remained unchanged at €563 a month since 2024.
An example for Hamburg
Single person, rent including heating 800 €, insurance 100 €: 563 € + 800 € + 100 € = 1.463 €. Of that, 80 per cent is about 1.170 € – your monthly income should be in that order of magnitude.
What counts towards the minimum income?
All financial resources available to you each month – including those that do not count as income for housing benefit. This can also include the monthly use of savings.
Why is there a minimum income?
The law aims to prevent housing benefit from being misused. Anyone who cannot cover their own living costs should instead claim basic income support benefits such as citizen's allowance (Bürgergeld) – those already include housing costs.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my income is below the minimum income?
Then there is no entitlement to housing benefit. In that case, basic income support benefits such as citizen's allowance are the right route – they cover living costs and housing costs together.
Do savings count towards the minimum income?
Yes. For the minimum income, all resources available each month can be taken into account – including drawing on savings.
Does the minimum income also apply to pensioners?
Yes. Pensions count as income – the rule of thumb applies equally to all households.