Amount of the Housing Allowance
The housing allowance is granted depending on whether the applicant resides in their own apartment or in a dormitory. Currently, the housing allowance amounts to:
- 360 Euros per month: For trainees who do not live in their parents’ household and maintain their own household.
- No housing allowance: For trainees who continue to live in their parents’ household during their vocational training (Ausbildung), as their housing costs are not separately subsidized.
Purpose of the Housing Allowance
The housing allowance is intended to ensure that trainees who rely on their own housing options during their vocational training (Ausbildung) are financially relieved. Since the allowance is paid regardless of the actual rent costs, applicants in regions with lower rental prices particularly benefit. In regions with high rental prices, however, the allowance may fall short of the actual housing costs.
Conditions for Receiving the Housing Allowance
The housing allowance is only granted if the applicant demonstrably lives outside of their parents’ household. Having one’s own household means that the applicant has rented an apartment or room where they permanently reside. Typically, a rental contract must be provided as proof. Dormitories, such as those for students or trainees, also count as independent accommodations.
No Consideration of Actual Rent Costs
Unlike other social benefits, where actual rent costs are taken into account, Bafög provides a flat-rate coverage of housing costs. This means that the housing allowance is paid regardless of whether the actual rent costs are higher or lower. This simplifies the application process, as no detailed examination of the rent costs is required.
Additional Need Rates for Own Apartment
Trainees who are themselves health and nursing insured and run their own household can also receive an additional allowance for health and nursing insurance on top of the housing allowance. This allowance currently amounts to up to 122 Euros per month.
Impact of the Housing Allowance on Overall Funding
The housing allowance increases the total need of the applicant and thus the maximum possible funding amount. The final Bafög amount is determined by the offset of the applicant’s and their parents’ income and assets. If the parents’ income is below the income thresholds, the applicant can receive full funding, including the housing allowance.
Special Considerations for Foreign Stays
Even during a funded stay abroad, the housing allowance can be granted if the applicant proves that they have their own accommodation while abroad during their vocational training (Ausbildung). The amount of the housing allowance may vary in such cases and depends on the specific rules for foreign Bafög.