Wohngeld Documents — Application Checklist

For a complete and successful Wohngeld application, you need various proofs and documents. Use this checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten. A complete application avoids queries and speeds up processing.

1. Identity and Personal Data

• Valid identity card or passport (copy of front and back)
• Registration certificate (not older than 3 months) or current confirmation of registration
• For foreign nationals: valid residence title (copy)
• Birth certificates of all children living in the household (copy)
• Marriage certificate or proof of civil partnership (if applicable)
• Divorce decree (if divorced)

2. Proof of Income (All Household Members)

For the last 12 months before application

• Salary or wage statements (all 12 months)
• For self-employed: latest income tax assessment and current profit determination
• Pension statements (statutory pension, occupational pension, private pension, widow's/widower's pension)
• Unemployment benefit I notice (if applicable)
• Proof of sick pay, maternity pay or parental allowance
• Proof of maintenance payments (maintenance order, bank statements)
• Proof of maintenance advance
• BAföG notice (if applicable — also if rejected)
• Bank statements for the last 3 months (all accounts)
• Proof of capital gains and interest income
• Proof of income from letting and leasing

3. Rent Costs and Housing

• Tenancy agreement (complete copy)
• Current landlord certificate (form available from the Wohngeld office)
• Proof of rent payments for the last 3 months (bank statements or receipts)
• Last service charge statement (if available)
• For property owners: land register extract, proof of mortgage interest, property tax notice
• For subletting: written sublet agreement

4. Special Documents (If Applicable)

• Severely disabled person's pass (copy)
• Care level notice (if care dependency exists)
• Proof of childcare costs (e.g. daycare fee notice)
• Maintenance order or maintenance agreement
• Proof of separated spouse (in case of permanent separation)
• Training contract (for apprentices)
• Certificate of enrolment (for students)
• Proof of a Minijob (pay slip)

5. Bank Details

• IBAN and BIC for Wohngeld payment

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete income proof: All 12 months before application must be proven without gaps. If a month is missing, the Wohngeld office will request it.
• Missing landlord certificate: Without this document, the application cannot be conclusively processed.
• Outdated documents: Registration certificates and other proofs should not be older than 3 months.
• Illegible copies: Make sure all copies are clearly legible. Scan or photograph documents with sufficient resolution.
• Missing signature: The application must be signed — both by the applicant and by all adult household members.