Wohngeld for People with Disabilities

Wohngeld and Disability – the Basics

A recognised severe disability has a positive effect on Wohngeld entitlement. Special allowances reduce the assessable income – and thus increase the likelihood of receiving Wohngeld and the amount of Wohngeld.

The legislature recognises that people with disabilities often have higher living costs. The allowances in Wohngeld law are intended to partially compensate for this additional burden.

Allowances for Severe Disability

The following allowances for people with disabilities apply in the Wohngeld calculation:

• With a degree of disability (GdB) of 100, an increased allowance is deducted from income. This also applies with a GdB of at least 80 if there is also a care need.
• The allowance is granted per severely disabled person in the household. If several severely disabled persons live in the household, the allowance can be claimed multiple times.

Special Housing Needs

People with disabilities often have special requirements for their apartment – such as accessibility, larger living space or special equipment. These requirements can lead to higher rental costs.

However, the general rent level maximum amounts are applied in the Wohngeld calculation. Special disability-related housing costs are not automatically offset by a higher Wohngeld rate. Other support benefits may be available for this, for example through integration assistance or care insurance.

Wohngeld and Care Benefits

Care allowance and care benefits in kind from social care insurance are generally not assessed as income in the Wohngeld calculation. This is an important advantage, as these benefits do not reduce the Wohngeld entitlement.

Blind persons' allowance and other compensatory benefits are also generally not assessed or only partially assessed against Wohngeld. The exact treatment depends on the type of benefit.

What Is Assessed as Income?

In addition to general income (pension, employment income, etc.), certain social benefits are also taken into account for people with disabilities. The distinction between assessable and non-assessable benefits is important.

Practical Tips for People with Disabilities

• Attach a copy of the severely disabled person's pass to your Wohngeld application – this is the only way the allowance can be taken into account.
• Point out special housing needs – even if these do not directly increase Wohngeld, they may be relevant for other support benefits.
• Seek support from an advice centre for people with disabilities. There are several contact points in Cologne that help with the application process.