Wohngeld or Bürgergeld? — Differences and Comparison
Wohngeld and Bürgergeld are two fundamentally different benefits. While Wohngeld only subsidises housing costs, Bürgergeld covers the entire cost of living. Which benefit is right for you — and whether you can choose at all — depends on your personal situation.
The Fundamental Difference
| Feature | Wohngeld | Bürgergeld |
|---|---|---|
| What is covered? | Only housing costs (rent subsidy) | Entire cost of living (standard rate + accommodation) |
| Amount | Varies by income, rent and household | Standard rate (e.g. €563 single) + actual housing costs |
| Asset Test | No fixed asset limit (only income test) | Strict asset test (protected assets apply) |
| Repayment | No, genuine subsidy | No, but reclaim possible with false information |
| Unemployed? | Also for employed persons | For employable persons without sufficient income |
| Approval | 15 months, then renewal application | 6 or 12 months, then continuation application |
| Responsible | Wohngeld office of the city | Jobcentre |
Can I Choose Between Wohngeld and Bürgergeld?
In principle no — you cannot freely choose. Entitlement is governed by law:
- Are you employable and your income is insufficient for living expenses? Then you are entitled to Bürgergeld — and not Wohngeld.
- Is your income sufficient for living expenses but not for the full rent? Then you are entitled to Wohngeld.
- Are you already receiving Wohngeld and lose your job? Check whether unemployment benefit covers your living expenses. If not, you may need to apply for Bürgergeld — Wohngeld would then cease.
Practical example: A single person earns €1,200 net. This is sufficient for living expenses. But the rent of €420 in Düsseldorf is a major burden. This person has no entitlement to Bürgergeld (income is above the standard rate), but is entitled to Wohngeld — approximately €250–285 per month.
When Is Wohngeld the Better Solution?
Wohngeld is more advantageous than Bürgergeld in these cases:
- You have assets above the protected amount: With Bürgergeld, assets above the allowances are counted. With Wohngeld, there is no fixed asset limit.
- You do not want a comprehensive means test: The Wohngeld procedure is less intrusive — essentially only income and rent are checked.
- You are already working and only need a rent subsidy: Wohngeld supplements your earned income without replacing it.
- You are a pensioner without basic income support entitlement: Many pensioners with small assets or an occupational pension are not entitled to basic income support — but are entitled to Wohngeld.
When Is Bürgergeld the Better Solution?
Bürgergeld (or basic income support for those unable to work) is preferable when:
- Your total income is so low that you cannot cover your living expenses — Bürgergeld then covers both the standard rate and the full housing costs
- You are unemployed and there is no prospect of employment in the near future
- You need additional support (e.g. additional needs for pregnant women, single parents, costly nutrition)
Switching from Bürgergeld to Wohngeld
If you take up employment and can thereby cover your own living expenses, your Bürgergeld entitlement ends. You can then apply for Wohngeld to continue receiving support with housing costs. This switch can be financially worthwhile, as you may keep more of your earned income than with Bürgergeld.
Combining Wohngeld with Other Benefits
Wohngeld can be combined with some other benefits — but not with all:
- ✅ Wohngeld + Child Benefit: Yes, child benefit is exempt
- ✅ Wohngeld + Child Supplement: Yes, both possible simultaneously
- ✅ Wohngeld + Parental Allowance: Yes (parental allowance over €300 is counted as income)
- ✅ Wohngeld + Unemployment Benefit I: Yes
- ❌ Wohngeld + Bürgergeld: No, mutually exclusive
- ❌ Wohngeld + Basic Income Support: No, mutually exclusive
- ❌ Wohngeld + BAföG (for students with BAföG entitlement): No, fundamental exclusion