Housing benefit for students and trainees
Students and trainees generally cannot get housing benefit (Wohngeld) if they receive BAföG or vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe) – these benefits already cover their living costs. Those who receive no such funding, however, may well be entitled.
BAföG and BAB rule out housing benefit
Anyone receiving support under the Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, BAföG) or vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe, BAB) is excluded from housing benefit. The reason: these training grants already cover living costs – duplicate support is to be avoided.
When students can get housing benefit
There are clear situations in which students can still receive housing benefit – namely when they are not entitled to BAföG in the first place. Typical cases are:
- You are above the BAföG age limit
- A second degree or change of subject without funding entitlement
- A course that is not eligible for funding (e.g. studying alongside work without BAföG eligibility)
The decisive point is always this: you must meet the general housing benefit requirements – minimum income, income limit and no receipt of other transfer benefits.
What applies to trainees
The same principle applies to trainees: anyone receiving vocational training allowance (BAB) cannot get housing benefit. Anyone who does not receive BAB – for example because the requirements are not met – and covers their own living costs can apply for housing benefit.
The special case: students with BAföG in Hamburg Students with BAföG are excluded from housing benefit. Their housing costs are already taken into account in the BAföG calculation. Anyone who cannot manage on the BAföG rate in Hamburg should contact the advice centres of the student services organisations (Studierendenwerke) – housing benefit is not the right route here.
Frequently asked questions
As a student, can I get housing benefit if I receive BAföG?
No. BAföG recipients are excluded from housing benefit because housing costs are already included in the BAföG calculation.
I do not receive BAföG – am I entitled to housing benefit?
Possibly, if you are not entitled to BAföG in the first place – for example because of the age limit or in a second degree. The general requirements must also be met: minimum income, income limit and no receipt of other benefits.
Does the same apply to trainees receiving BAB?
Yes. Anyone receiving vocational training allowance (BAB) cannot get housing benefit. Anyone who does not receive BAB and covers their own living costs can apply for housing benefit.
Housing benefit during training – is that possible?
Yes, if you do not receive vocational training allowance (BAB). Anyone receiving BAB is excluded from housing benefit. Trainees without BAB can apply for housing benefit if they meet the general requirements – for example, if they have a sufficient minimum income.