Housing Benefit for Pensioners in Düsseldorf
Many pensioners are entitled to Wohngeld — often without knowing it. If your pension is insufficient for ongoing housing costs and you do not receive basic income support in old age, Wohngeld can be an important financial help.
Important: Anyone receiving basic income support in old age or for reduced earning capacity under SGB XII is not entitled to Wohngeld — housing costs are already included in basic income support.
When Are Pensioners Entitled to Wohngeld?
The same basic requirements apply to pensioners as to all other applicants. Entitlement depends on:
- Your total income (pension, occupational pension, rental income, interest income, etc.)
- The number of household members
- Your rent or housing costs (as a tenant or homeowner)
- The rent level in Düsseldorf (Rent Level IV)
The decisive factor is: Only those not receiving basic income support can receive Wohngeld. However, many pensioners are not entitled to basic income support despite a low pension — for example because they have assets above the protected amount. In these cases, Wohngeld can provide crucial relief.
Income Calculation for Pensioners
The following types of pension are taken into account when calculating income for Wohngeld purposes:
- Statutory old-age pension — the full gross pension amount
- Occupational pension and supplementary pensions (e.g. VBL)
- Private pension insurance (Riester pension, Rürup pension)
- Survivor's pensions (widow's pension, widower's pension, orphan's pension)
- Reduced earning capacity pensions
Similar to employees, flat-rate deductions for health and long-term care insurance contributions as well as a general allowance are deducted from the gross pension. As a result, the income relevant for Wohngeld is lower than the actual gross pension.
Special Case: Pensioners with Owner-Occupied Property
If you own your own condominium or house, you can apply for a cost subsidy (Lastenzuschuss) instead of a rent subsidy. This covers part of the ongoing costs such as mortgage interest, property tax, maintenance costs and administration costs.
Especially for pensioners who have already paid off their home, a cost subsidy can be an important financial help, as ancillary costs and maintenance costs continue even after repayment.
How Much Wohngeld Can Pensioners Receive?
The amount of Wohngeld is based on the Wohngeld table for Düsseldorf (Rent Level IV). A single pensioner with a monthly net pension of approximately €1,100 and a net cold rent of €400 could, for example, expect Wohngeld of around €150–200 per month.
Please note: If you decline or do not apply for basic income support in old age, even though you would be entitled to it, you generally will not receive Wohngeld either. The priority of basic income support is set by law.
How Do Pensioners Apply?
The Wohngeld application is submitted to the Wohngeld office Düsseldorf — in person, by post or online. Pensioners should have the following documents ready:
- Current pension statement (all types of pension)
- Proof of health and long-term care insurance contributions
- Tenancy agreement and proof of rent payments for the last three months
- Proof of other income (interest, rental income, etc.)