Wohngeld-Plus – The 2023 Reform at a Glance

What Is the Wohngeld-Plus Act?

The Wohngeld-Plus Act (WoGPlusG) is the most comprehensive reform of Wohngeld in decades. It was passed on 14 November 2022 and came into force on 1 January 2023.

The aim of the reform was to noticeably reduce the housing cost burden for low-income households in view of sharply rising energy costs and general inflation. At the same time, the reform was intended to give more households access to Wohngeld.

The Four Central Changes

• Higher Wohngeld Amounts: Wohngeld was increased by an average of about 190 euros per month. The exact increase varies depending on household size and income. The Wohngeld formula was changed permanently, not just temporarily.
• Permanent Climate Component: A CO₂-related climate component offsets the burden of CO₂ pricing in the heating sector. It is automatically paid with Wohngeld and does not need to be applied for separately.
• Permanent Heating Cost Component: The previously temporary heating cost subsidies were converted into a permanent heating cost component. It increases Wohngeld as a flat rate and takes rising energy prices into account.
• More Eligible Households: Due to the increase in Wohngeld benefits and the adjustment of the calculation formula, significantly more households are now entitled to Wohngeld. Estimates suggest the number of Wohngeld households nationwide rose from about 600,000 to around 2 million.

The Climate Component in Detail

The climate component is a fixed supplement to Wohngeld. It amounts to a fixed sum per household member and is automatically granted – you do not need to apply for it separately. The climate component is intended to compensate for the additional costs of CO₂ pricing on heating energy. It is taken into account in every Wohngeld calculation.

The Heating Cost Component in Detail

The heating cost component replaces the previous, time-limited heating cost subsidies with a permanent increase in Wohngeld. It is granted as a graduated amount per household size and is part of the regular Wohngeld calculation. The heating cost component is paid together with Wohngeld – no separate application is needed.

What Does Wohngeld-Plus Mean for You?

The reform brings noticeable improvements for many Cologne households:

• Significantly more money: on average 190 euros more Wohngeld per month – this noticeably helps with housing costs.
• More households benefit: roughly three times as many households are now entitled to Wohngeld as before the reform.
• Automatic consideration: climate and heating cost components do not need to be applied for separately; they are directly included in the calculation.

Wohngeld-Plus in Cologne

The Wohngeld-Plus reform benefits particularly many households in Cologne, as the combination of high rent levels (Mietstufe V) and increased Wohngeld amounts leads to noticeable relief. If your income was previously just above the limit, it is worth checking again – with Wohngeld-Plus you may now be eligible.