Basic Requirements for Eligibility
Apprentices are eligible for housing benefit if they are tenants of an apartment or a room and do not receive other training financial assistance, such as Vocational Training Assistance (BAB) or BAföG. Another reason for eligibility is if BAB has been applied for but denied because the parental home is considered too close to the training location.
Excluded from Housing Benefit
Apprentices who receive BAföG or Vocational Training Assistance (BAB) are generally excluded from housing benefit. Housing benefit can only be applied for if these funds have not been granted or the rejection is based on special circumstances, such as insufficient need according to calculation guidelines.
Considered Income
For the calculation of housing benefit, the total household income is taken into account. This includes vocational training compensation, possible income from side jobs, and other regular income. If the total income is below the relevant threshold, there is generally a claim to housing benefit. The amount of the threshold varies depending on the region and rent level.
Special Features for Shared Apartments
Apprentices living in a shared apartment can also apply for housing benefit, provided they are listed as the main tenant in the rental agreement. The share of the rent must be documented to accurately calculate the rent subsidy amount. The claim is only for the respective rent share, not for the entire apartment rent.
Verification of Eligibility Requirements
The responsible housing benefit office checks the application documents for completeness and the eligibility requirements in detail. This includes a precise calculation of total income, household size, and allocable rental costs. If all requirements are met, the application is approved, and the housing benefit is paid out monthly.
Special Regulations for Apprentices
In special cases, such as apprentices living with a parent while still bearing their own rental costs, a claim for housing benefit may exist. In these cases, the housing benefit office decides on a case-by-case basis whether the requirements are met. Also, in the case of temporary training interruptions due to illness, the claim may remain under certain conditions.