Housing Benefit for Families and Single Parents in Düsseldorf
Families and single parents are among the most important target groups for Wohngeld. Especially in a city like Düsseldorf with high rental costs, Wohngeld can provide crucial financial relief for families.
Why Families Benefit Particularly
The Wohngeld calculation takes household size into account — and each additional family member increases the income limit and the maximum rent amount. Families with several children therefore tend to have higher Wohngeld entitlements than single-person households. At the same time, the maximum rent amount also increases with each child: for a family of four in Düsseldorf (Rent Level IV), the maximum amount is around €776.
Children in the Wohngeld Household
Children generally count as full household members. The following children are taken into account:
- Biological children and adopted children under 18
- Foster children living in the household
- Adult children under 25 who are in school or vocational training and whose income does not exceed certain limits
- Stepchildren living in the shared household
Child benefit (Kindergeld) is not counted as income in the Wohngeld calculation. It remains fully exempt. Income of children from part-time jobs or training allowances is only taken into account above certain allowances.
Wohngeld and Child Supplement (Kinderzuschlag)
Many families can receive both Wohngeld and child supplement — one does not exclude the other. However, the interaction is important:
- Wohngeld and child supplement (KiZ): If you receive child supplement, it is not taken into account in the Wohngeld-relevant income — it therefore does not reduce the Wohngeld.
- Priority of child supplement: As a rule, families should first check whether there is an entitlement to child supplement — this is often more favourable and easier to apply for. Wohngeld can be applied for as a supplement.
- Combination: Simultaneous receipt of Wohngeld and child supplement is possible if an entitlement remains after the Wohngeld calculation.
Single Parents — Special Benefits
Additional benefits apply for single parents in Wohngeld:
- Single parent allowance: Single parents receive an additional allowance in the income calculation — this increases the chances of Wohngeld and the possible amount of the subsidy.
- Maintenance payments: If you receive maintenance for your children, this is taken into account as income. The maintenance allowance, however, reduces the amount counted.
- Maintenance advance: If you receive maintenance advance for your children, this also counts as income. Due to the allowances, however, it is only partially taken into account.
Example: Family with Two Children in Düsseldorf
A single mother with two children (aged 6 and 10) pays a net cold rent of €720 in Düsseldorf. Her monthly income from a part-time job is €1,800 net, plus €500 child benefit and €400 maintenance advance.
In the Wohngeld calculation, the child benefit and the majority of the maintenance advance are not counted. Her relevant income is therefore well below the income limit for a 3-person household in Rent Level IV. The resulting Wohngeld entitlement can amount to several hundred euros per month.
Reporting Changes in Family Status
Changes in your family situation must be reported to the Wohngeld office immediately:
- Marriage or registration of a civil partnership
- Birth of a child
- Moving out or death of a household member
- A child reaching adulthood and end of education