Housing benefit: a rent subsidy for low incomes
When money is tight and the rent is a burden, you do not have to struggle on your own: housing benefit is a state subsidy that many households are entitled to, and it often goes unclaimed simply because people do not know about it.
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Apply for housing benefit →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Check your entitlement roughly
Low income, no citizen's benefit or basic income support? Then housing benefit may be an option.
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2. Gather documents
Proof of income, rental contract or rent certificate and details of household size.
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3. Submit the application
Submit the application at the housing benefit office (sometimes possible online).
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4. Object if refused
If the application is refused, you can file an objection within one month.
Frequently asked questions
Who is entitled to housing benefit?
Households on a low income who cannot bear their housing costs on their own, as a rent subsidy for tenants or a charge subsidy for homeowners. The amount depends on income, housing costs, household size and the rent level of your place of residence. As a rule, recipients of citizen's benefit or basic income support are not entitled, since their housing costs are already taken into account there.
How do I apply for housing benefit?
You submit the application at the housing benefit office of your town or municipality (often also online). You need proof of income, the rental contract or a rent certificate and details of household size. If the application is refused or granted at too low an amount, you can file an objection within one month.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.