Housing Benefit for Students and Apprentices in Düsseldorf
Special rules apply to students and apprentices for Wohngeld. In principle, students who are eligible for BAföG funding are excluded from Wohngeld. However, there are important exceptions that many are unaware of.
Principle: Anyone who is in principle entitled to BAföG cannot receive Wohngeld — even if no BAföG is actually received. The statutory exclusion already applies if abstract eligibility for funding exists.
When Can Students Still Receive Wohngeld?
1. No BAföG Entitlement
Students who do not receive BAföG for reasons other than the level of income or assets can apply for Wohngeld. These include:
- Students who have exceeded the age limit for BAföG (generally 45 years at the start of studies)
- Students who have exceeded the maximum funding period
- Students in part-time study (if no BAföG entitlement exists)
- Students in a second degree or master's programme (if BAföG funding is exhausted)
- Students who have changed subject without good cause
2. Students with a Child
One of the most important exceptions: students living with a child in their own household can receive Wohngeld — even if they receive BAföG. In this case, receiving BAföG does not exclude Wohngeld.
3. Students Married to Non-Students
If a spouse or registered civil partner is not eligible for BAföG funding (e.g. because they are employed), Wohngeld can be applied for for the entire household. The studying partner is then counted as a household member.
4. Students with a Disability
For students with a severe disability, special rules may apply that enable receipt of Wohngeld.
Wohngeld for Apprentices
For apprentices, the BAföG exclusion also applies if they are eligible for BAföG funding (e.g. Schüler-BAföG). Apprentices who:
- are completing in-company training with sufficient pay (no BAföG entitlement),
- have exceeded the age limit for BAföG,
- are in school-based training without BAföG funding,
can apply for Wohngeld under the general conditions. The training allowance is taken into account as income — after deduction of the flat-rate work-related expenses and social security contributions.
Alternatives to Wohngeld for Students
If you as a student are not entitled to Wohngeld, there are other ways to reduce your housing costs:
- BAföG housing allowance: BAföG already includes a flat-rate housing allowance (currently €360 for students not living with their parents)
- Student halls of residence: In Düsseldorf, the Studierendenwerk and private providers offer comparatively affordable housing for students
- Shared flats (WGs): Sharing a larger flat reduces individual housing costs
- Housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein): Entitles you to a subsidised social housing flat with lower rents
Tip: It's worth applying even if you're unsure. On the application form, you must provide information about your studies and BAföG situation. The Wohngeld office will then check whether an entitlement exists. You can also appeal a rejection.