Main Residence in Germany
Housing benefit is only granted if the applicant has their main residence in Germany. The apartment or room for which the housing benefit is applied must be registered as the main residence. A secondary residence does not entitle the applicant to receive housing benefit.
Own Apartment or Own Room
To receive housing benefit, the applicant must either alone or jointly with others have rented an apartment or a room. The rental contract must be in the name of the applicant, and they must have a verifiable share of the rent. Housing benefit cannot be applied for apartments owned by relatives if they are provided free of charge or for minimal costs.
Proof of Rental Costs
For the application process, rental costs must be substantiated. This is generally done by presenting the rental contract as well as current payment receipts. Without a valid proof of rental costs, the approval of the housing benefit is not possible. The costs must be real and regularly incurred.
Notification Obligations When Moving
If a move occurs during the receipt of housing benefit, the applicant is required to notify the appropriate housing benefit office. The new residence must be reported immediately, and if necessary, a new application must be submitted. In case of moves to another municipality, the housing benefit office of the new municipality is responsible.
Residence in Shared Apartments
Even apprentices who live in a shared apartment (WG) can apply for housing benefit if they pay a share of the rent and are mentioned in the rental agreement as primary or subtenant. Their portion of the rent must be accurately stated in the application and substantiated with appropriate proof.
Special Considerations for Subletting
If apprentices sublet a room, they can also apply for housing benefit, as long as they continue to act as the primary tenant of the apartment and cover the remaining rental costs themselves. In this case, a subletting agreement must also be presented to determine the actual share of the living costs.
No Housing Benefit for Free Living
Apprentices who live free of charge in their parents’ house or in the apartment of relatives are not entitled to housing benefit. This support is solely intended to reduce the rental costs that the applicant must bear themselves.