The most annoying mistake after approval: missing the renewal. Payments end silently, and a new application starts from zero — with no back pay.
The Decision and Renewals
Wohngeld is granted for 12 months. Renewal is not automatic — file the Weiterleistungsantrag 2 months before the period ends.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
I checked the decision line by line: the counted rent was too low — attached the lease again, the amount rose. Objection within a month, straightforward, and the increase noticeable.
👩🏼💼
Lea recommends:
Lost part of your income mid-period — do not wait for the continuation application: request recalculation at once. Wohngeld responds to falling income from the reporting month, not year-end.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Income dropped or rent went up — can I get more? ▾
Yes, and this rarely gets written about. § 27 (1) WoGG: if during the approval period the number of household members rises, the eligible rent rises by more than **10 percent**, or total income falls by more than **10 percent**, Wohngeld is re-granted **on application** — and for rent even retroactively from the start of the current approval period. So the thresholds are asymmetric: the office recalculates downwards on its own only from a 15 percent income rise (§ 27 (2)), while upwards you have to ask — but the threshold there is lower, 10 percent.
The decision states less than expected — an error? ▾
Not necessarily, but check: reconcile the counted income and rent with your figures. Errors happen. For an objection you have a month from the decision date — free.
My income changed during the year — what to do? ▾
Report significant changes (job loss, pay rise, household change): with falling income Wohngeld is recalculated up, with rising income you avoid a clawback of overpayment.
My income went up — do I report it? ▾
Yes — for a significant increase (usually over 15 percent) reporting is mandatory: silence leads to repayment claims and possible fines.
Processing is slow — am I left without money? ▾
With a clear entitlement you can request an advance (Vorschuss). The wait itself costs nothing: Wohngeld is paid from the application month.