Burden subsidy: housing benefit for owners of the self-used home

Housing benefit is not only for tenants: owners who live in their own apartment or house can receive a burden subsidy. Instead of the rent, the burdens from the property (e.g. interest and management costs) are taken into account within the maximum amounts.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Owner-occupiers can apply for a burden subsidy as housing benefit. The burdens from the property are credited within the statutory maximum amounts, similar to the rent for tenants.

As with the rent subsidy, the amount depends on the household size and income. Repayment portions are only taken into account to a limited extent; what matters above all are the ongoing burdens.

What you should do now

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1. Roughly check the entitlement
If your income is not enough for the housing costs, the application can be worthwhile, also as a pensioner or low earner with property.
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2. Compile the burdens
Compile the ongoing burdens (interest, management, certain ancillary costs) and the household's proof of income.
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3. Application at the housing benefit office
File the application for a burden subsidy at the housing benefit office of your city/municipality.
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4. Check the notice
Check the burdens and income taken into account. In case of errors, you can file an objection within one month.

How to spot the scam

You assume that housing benefit is only for tenants, which is not true.
Important burdens are not taken into account in the notice.
The income is set too high.

Frequently asked questions

Do owners also get housing benefit?

Yes. Owner-occupiers can receive a burden subsidy, which is the housing benefit variant for home ownership. Instead of the rent, the burdens from the property are taken into account.

Which costs are credited?

Above all the ongoing burdens such as interest and management costs within the maximum amounts. Repayment portions are only taken into account to a limited extent. The amount depends on the household and income.

Where do I apply for the burden subsidy?

At the housing benefit office of your city or municipality. Submit proof of income and documents on the burdens. Against a faulty notice you can file an objection.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.