Wohngeld When Moving — What You Need to Know

A move has a direct impact on your Wohngeld entitlement. Whether Wohngeld increases, decreases or ends entirely depends on your new place of residence and the new rent amount. Inform the Wohngeld office in good time to avoid disadvantages.

Moving Within Düsseldorf

If you move within Düsseldorf, Rent Level IV remains unchanged. Wohngeld only changes if your rent amount or floor area changes:

• Higher rent → more Wohngeld: If your new rent is higher than the old one (but still within the maximum amount), Wohngeld may increase
• Lower rent → less Wohngeld: If you move to a cheaper flat, Wohngeld generally decreases
• Same rent → unchanged Wohngeld: With the same rent amount, Wohngeld generally remains the same

Moving to Another City

If you move away from Düsseldorf, the rent level changes — and with it potentially your Wohngeld entitlement:

• To a city with a higher rent level: Munich (VI), Cologne (V) — your Wohngeld entitlement may increase because higher rent amounts are recognised
• To a city with a lower rent level: Duisburg (III), rural areas (I or II) — your entitlement may decrease because less rent is recognised
• Change of responsibility: You must submit a new application to the Wohngeld office of the new city. The previous approval ends with the move.

What You Must Do When Moving

1. Inform the Wohngeld office: Report the planned move in writing or in person — preferably before the moving date
2. Submit new documents: New tenancy agreement and landlord certificate — even for a move within Düsseldorf
3. New registration certificate: After re-registering with the residents' registration office, submit the new registration certificate to the Wohngeld office
4. When moving to another city: Submit a new application to the new city's Wohngeld office. Obtain all required documents in good time

Payment During the Move

Wohngeld continues to be paid as long as the approval period is running and you have reported the change. The Wohngeld office recalculates Wohngeld based on the new rent. Any overpayments must be repaid; back payments will be paid out to you.

Special Case: Separation and Moving

If you separate from your partner and move out, your household community changes. The partner remaining in the flat must report the separation. For your new flat, submit your own Wohngeld application — now as a single-person household or with the children living with you.