Frequently Asked Questions About Wohngeld – FAQ

Tenants are eligible for Wohngeld if their income falls below certain limits and they do not receive other social benefits that already cover housing costs (e.g. Bürgergeld). The key factors are household income, number of household members and rent. The Wohngeldstelle Cologne will check your individual eligibility.

The amount of Wohngeld is calculated individually. Under the Wohngeld-Plus Act, the national average is about 370 euros per month. In Cologne, Wohngeld can be above average due to the high Mietstufe V. The exact amount depends on your income, rent and household size.

You apply for Wohngeld at the Wohngeldstelle of the City of Cologne. The Wohngeldstelle is part of the housing department (Amt für Wohnungswesen). You can submit the application in person, by post or, in certain cases, online. You will find the exact contact details and opening hours on our page about the Wohngeldstelle Cologne.

For the Wohngeld application you need: the completed application form, a registration certificate, the rental contract, proof of income for the last 12 months (pay slips, pension notice, etc.), proof of other income (child benefit, maintenance, etc.) and, if applicable, proof of allowances (severe disability). A complete checklist can be found on our documents page.

Processing time depends on the individual case and the current workload of the Wohngeldstelle. If all documents are submitted complete, the decision can usually be made within a few weeks. Incomplete documents will delay processing. You can inquire about the status of your application at the Wohngeldstelle Cologne.

Wohngeld is generally paid from the first day of the month in which the application was received by the Wohngeldstelle – not retroactively for previous months. Therefore, submit your application as early as possible.

Wohngeld is usually granted for a period of 12 months (approval period). After that, you must submit a new application – a so-called renewal application. The Wohngeldstelle will inform you in good time before the approval period expires.

Yes, you can receive Wohngeld as an employee if your income is below the applicable income limit. Many Wohngeld recipients are employed. Wohngeld can be an important supplement to employment income, especially for low-income earners and part-time workers in Cologne.

Wohngeld and Bürgergeld are two different benefits. Bürgergeld covers the entire cost of living including housing costs. Wohngeld is a pure rent subsidy for households whose income is generally sufficient for living expenses but not for rent. Those receiving Bürgergeld generally do not receive Wohngeld – housing costs are already included in Bürgergeld. Which is better for you depends on your individual situation.

Yes, pensioners can receive Wohngeld provided they do not receive basic income support in old age. Wohngeld can be important financial support, especially for those with low pensions. Many pensioner households in Cologne are entitled to Wohngeld without knowing it. It is worth checking.

Students generally cannot receive Wohngeld if they are in principle entitled to BAföG – even if they do not actually receive BAföG. Exceptions apply to students who are excluded from BAföG for certain reasons (e.g. exceeding the maximum funding period, change of subject). In these cases, there may be a Wohngeld entitlement.

You must inform the Wohngeldstelle immediately of any changes to your income or rent. An increase in income may result in Wohngeld being reduced or discontinued. A rent increase, on the other hand, may lead to higher Wohngeld. The obligation to notify applies for the entire approval period.