You have Duldung status, you’re renting an apartment, and you’re paying rent yourself from your salary or Ausbildungsvergütung - and you want to know whether you can also receive Wohngeld (Germany’s housing allowance). The answer isn’t a simple yes or no: it depends on one specific question - whether your housing costs are being covered through AsylbLG benefits or not.
The law gives you the right. But another paragraph of the same law takes that right away in most standard situations. Here’s where that line is and what to do about it.
What Duldung Is - Brief Context¶
Duldung (officially Aufenthaltsduldung) is not a residence permit. It’s a temporary suspension of deportation. The person is officially required to leave Germany, but deportation is impossible - due to technical obstacles (no travel documents, no flights to the country of origin), legal barriers (pending court proceedings, protection application), or humanitarian grounds.
The legal basis is §60a Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG). It’s issued by the Ausländerbehörde and renewed regularly - usually every 3-6 months, sometimes annually.
For social benefits purposes, several subtypes of Duldung matter:
- Ausbildungsduldung (§60c AufenthG) - issued to those who started formal vocational training (Berufsausbildung). Tied to an Ausbildungsvertrag, entitles the holder to Ausbildungsvergütung (training wage).
- Beschäftigungsduldung (§60d AufenthG) - for those who have been officially employed for at least 12 months and meet certain conditions (stable income, German language skills, no criminal record).
- Duldung für Personen mit ungeklärter Identität (§60b AufenthG) - issued when a person doesn’t cooperate in establishing their identity. Significantly limits rights and access to benefits.
- Standard Duldung (§60a AufenthG) - the most common type, without ties to employment or training.
Duldung is not the same as Aufenthaltsgestattung. Aufenthaltsgestattung is issued to active asylum seekers while their application is being processed. Duldung is the status after a rejection, or for people who never applied for asylum. This distinction matters significantly for which benefits apply.
§3(5) WoGG: Duldung Formally Qualifies for Wohngeld¶
§3 Abs. 5 Wohngeldgesetz explicitly lists the categories of foreigners who are eligible for Wohngeld. Duldung holders are on that list:
Ausländer sind wohngeldberechtigt, wenn sie im Bundesgebiet ihren gewöhnlichen Aufenthalt haben und einen Aufenthaltstitel oder eine Duldung nach dem Aufenthaltsgesetz haben.
(§3 WoGG - gesetze-im-internet.de)
In plain terms: a foreigner with Duldung and a regular place of residence in Germany has the right to Wohngeld - on the same basis as German citizens, provided they meet the income and housing cost criteria.
But §3 WoGG is only the entry condition. §7 WoGG is where the situation gets complicated.
§7 WoGG: The Main Barrier - Exclusion for AsylbLG Recipients¶
§7 Abs. 1 Nr. 8 Wohngeldgesetz excludes from Wohngeld anyone who is simultaneously receiving benefits under the Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG) - if those benefits already include housing costs (Kosten der Unterkunft).
The exact legal text reads:
Vom Wohngeld ausgeschlossen sind Empfängerinnen und Empfänger von… Leistungen in besonderen Fällen und Grundleistungen nach dem Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz, wenn bei der Berechnung der Leistungen Kosten der Unterkunft berücksichtigt worden sind.
(§7 WoGG - gesetze-im-internet.de)
This is the key point. Most people with Duldung in their first years in Germany receive AsylbLG benefits - and those benefits typically already include either payment for a Gemeinschaftsunterkunft (collective accommodation) or a Kosten der Unterkunft component for private housing. If that’s your situation, you won’t get Wohngeld regardless of your Duldung status.
There’s a second exclusion - §7 Abs. 1 Nr. 2 WoGG excludes Bürgergeld (SGB II) recipients. If the Jobcenter is already covering your rent through Bürgergeld, Wohngeld won’t be approved in parallel.
How to check your status: look at your most recent Bewilligungsbescheid from the Sozialamt or Jobcenter. If it has a line for “Kosten der Unterkunft” or “Unterkunft und Heizung” - your housing is already being paid for, and Wohngeld is off the table.
Who Can Actually Get Wohngeld with Duldung¶
After all the exclusions - who’s still in the picture?
Ausbildungsduldung and Beschäftigungsduldung: The Best Chances¶
This is the most promising category. People with Ausbildungsduldung (§60c) or Beschäftigungsduldung (§60d) typically:
- Receive Ausbildungsvergütung or a salary from an employer (independent income)
- Live in a private apartment with their own Mietvertrag
- Are not in a Gemeinschaftsunterkunft
- Are not receiving AsylbLG that covers their housing costs
If all four conditions are met and their income falls within the Wohngeld thresholds, the application can genuinely succeed. This is the primary group for whom Wohngeld with Duldung is a real option.
§2 AsylbLG - “Analogue Benefits” After 18 Months¶
After 18 months of continuously receiving basic AsylbLG benefits, a person transitions to “analogue benefits” under §2 AsylbLG - these are closer in level to SGB XII (Sozialhilfe). The situation here is nuanced.
If after this transition housing costs are paid separately by the Sozialamt and are not bundled into the Wohngeld-equivalent component, there’s theoretically a window for Wohngeld. But in practice this depends heavily on the specific Sozialamt and how they structure their Bewilligungsbescheid. A consultation with a Flüchtlingsberatungsstelle is essential before applying in this case.
Who Definitely Cannot Apply¶
- Living in Gemeinschaftsunterkunft: if AsylbLG covers collective accommodation, Wohngeld is excluded.
- Bürgergeld recipients: even with Duldung, if SGB II covers rent, Wohngeld is unavailable.
- AsylbLG with Kosten der Unterkunft for private housing: the exclusion applies even if you live in a private apartment, as long as the Sozialamt is covering your rent through AsylbLG.
The Flüchtlingsrat Niedersachsen’s legal guide for people with Duldung status points directly to this trap: the right to Wohngeld exists under §3 WoGG, but the §7 WoGG exclusion effectively blocks access for anyone whose housing costs are being covered by state benefits. (nds-fluerat.org)
Full Document List for the Application¶
If your situation meets the conditions, here’s what to submit to the Wohngeldstelle.
Status and Residence Documents¶
| Document | Note |
|---|---|
| Duldungsbescheinigung | Current, not expired |
| Meldebescheinigung | Registration confirmation from Einwohnermeldeamt |
| Mietvertrag | Signed rental contract in your name |
| Mietbescheinigung vom Vermieter | Landlord’s confirmation with current rent amount |
| Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung | Required when registering at the address |
Income Documents (last 12 months)¶
All household members are listed in the application, and all their income must be documented:
| Document | Who provides it |
|---|---|
| Gehaltsabrechnungen (payslips) | Everyone who works |
| Ausbildungsvertrag + Vergütungsnachweis | Vocational training students |
| Rentenbescheide (pension notices) | Retirees in the household |
| BAföG-Bescheid | Students receiving BAföG |
| Kindergeldbescheid | If receiving Kindergeld |
| Unterhaltsnachweise | If paying or receiving child support |
| Scholarship or grant payments | Any other regular income |
Documents for Household Members¶
If family members are registered at your address, you’ll need for each of them: - Copy of ID document (passport or Duldungsbescheinigung) - Proof of income or confirmation of no income - Documents proving the family relationship
Even if someone in the household has no income at all - they still need to be included in the application. The Wohngeldstelle counts everyone registered at the address.
Practical tip: submit a complete package on the first try. The Wohngeldstelle won’t start processing until the package is complete - one missing document halts everything. But once approved, the benefit is paid retroactively from the month of the initial application, so your application date matters.
What Needs to Be Translated - and How¶
The Wohngeldstelle doesn’t accept documents in foreign languages. Any document not in German must be submitted together with a beglaubigte Übersetzung - a certified translation by a vereidigte Übersetzer (sworn translator appointed by a German court).
Which Documents Typically Need Translation¶
Documents that Duldung holders commonly have in non-German languages:
- Birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) - needed if you’re including children in the application, or if the Wohngeldstelle requests identity confirmation. Relevant for Ukrainians, Syrians, Afghans - their documents are not in German.
- Marriage certificate (Heiratsurkunde) - if submitting a joint application with a partner.
- Divorce decree - if divorced and this affects household composition or child support calculations.
- Foreign income documents - if anyone in the household receives income or a pension from abroad.
- Medical documents - rarely, but sometimes needed to confirm specific circumstances.
What typically does NOT need translation: - Duldungsbescheinigung - already issued in German by the Ausländerbehörde. - Mietvertrag - if concluded in German with a German landlord. - Gehaltsabrechnungen from a German employer - already in German. - Bescheide from Jobcenter, Sozialamt, Rentenversicherung - already in German.
Who Can Perform the Translation¶
Only vereidigte or beeidigte Übersetzer - sworn translators appointed by a regional court (Landgericht). They sign and affix an official stamp confirming the authenticity and completeness of the translation. The directory of sworn translators by language and region is at justiz-dolmetscher.de.
A regular translation agency or notarized copy will not work - only a sworn translator with official Beeidigung produces a legally valid translation for German authorities.
Typical turnaround: 2-5 business days for standard documents; express (24 hours) is usually available at extra cost. If you have several documents, ordering a package from one translator is often more economical.
Online options are also available - you upload a scan, a sworn translator produces the translation and sends you a certified PDF. Accepted by Wohngeldstelle, Ausländerbehörde, and other German authorities.
How Much You Get and How Long to Wait¶
Wohngeld Amounts in 2025¶
From January 1, 2025, Wohngeld was increased by an average of 15%. Following the Wohngeld-Plus reform (Wohngeld-Plus-Gesetz, effective January 1, 2023 - the largest reform in the benefit’s history), which expanded the pool of eligible households from 600,000 to 2 million, and the subsequent increase, the average monthly benefit reached around €300 per month in 2025.
But that’s the national average. The actual amount is calculated individually using a formula based on:
- Number of people in the household
- Total household income
- Regional rent levels (Mietstufe 1-7, ranging from rural areas to Munich and Hamburg)
- Actual rent amount (subject to a ceiling that varies by Mietstufe and household size)
For a rough estimate of whether you qualify, use the online calculator at wohngeld.org or the BMWSB Wohngeld portal. But the definitive answer only comes after the Wohngeldstelle reviews your documents.
Approximate income thresholds for a single person: up to €2,201/month in Berlin (Mietstufe 4), up to €2,313 in Munich (Mietstufe 7). For a 4-person household: up to €5,022 and €5,244 respectively.
Processing Times¶
After the 2023 reform, Wohngeldstellen across Germany have been overwhelmed with applications. Realistic timelines in 2025:
| City | Average processing time |
|---|---|
| Berlin (Pankow) | 9 weeks |
| Berlin (average) | 11-12 weeks |
| Munich | up to 21 weeks |
| Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg | 3-6 months |
The important detail: the benefit is paid retroactively from the month of the initial application, not from the decision date. So apply as early as possible - while you’re waiting for the decision, the entitlement is accumulating.
If you receive a request for additional documents, respond as quickly as possible. The clock on your application doesn’t pause while you gather more paperwork.
FAQ¶
Does Duldung automatically exclude you from Wohngeld?¶
No. §3(5) WoGG explicitly includes Duldung in the list of statuses that qualify for Wohngeld. There is no automatic exclusion. The exclusion only kicks in if you also meet the conditions of §7 WoGG - receiving AsylbLG that already covers housing costs, or receiving Bürgergeld.
I live in a Gemeinschaftsunterkunft - can I still apply?¶
No. If you’re living in collective accommodation and the costs are covered through AsylbLG, the §7(1) Nr. 8 WoGG exclusion applies in full. Wohngeld is not available in this situation.
I have Ausbildungsduldung, rent my own apartment, and receive Ausbildungsvergütung - can I apply?¶
Yes, this is one of the most promising scenarios. If you have your own Mietvertrag, income from your Ausbildung, and are not receiving AsylbLG that covers your housing costs - submit an application to the Wohngeldstelle. Check the specific document requirements with your local office in advance, as they can vary slightly by municipality.
Do I need to translate my Duldungsbescheinigung?¶
No. The Duldungsbescheinigung is already issued in German by the Ausländerbehörde - no translation needed. Translation is required for your personal documents in foreign languages: birth certificates, marriage certificates, foreign income statements.
How much Wohngeld can a family of 3 expect?¶
It depends on income and region. Roughly: if the family’s combined income doesn’t exceed €3,500-4,000/month (varies by Mietstufe), there are real chances of approval. A family of 3 might receive €250-450/month in Wohngeld. The exact amount is calculated by the Wohngeldstelle.
Where do I submit the application and how do I find my local Wohngeldstelle?¶
At the local Wohngeldstelle - found in every city or district (Stadtamt, Landratsamt). Large cities typically have several offices. Find yours through the city administration website or via service.bund.de. Enter your registration address and the system will show the right office.
Is Wohngeld taxable income?¶
No. Wohngeld is a social benefit and is not subject to income tax in Germany. However, Wohngeld counts as income when calculating certain other benefits - check with a Sozialberatung if you receive multiple types of support simultaneously.
What happens if my Duldung expires while I’m receiving Wohngeld?¶
Renew your Duldung at the Ausländerbehörde before it expires. If it lapses, notify the Wohngeldstelle immediately. The right to the benefit is tied to a valid status. If the Duldung is renewed, payments continue automatically until the next recalculation.
Sources¶
- §3 WoGG - Wohngeldberechtigung (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- §7 WoGG - Ausschluss vom Wohngeld (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- §60a AufenthG - Vorübergehende Aussetzung der Abschiebung (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- §60c AufenthG - Ausbildungsduldung (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- §60d AufenthG - Beschäftigungsduldung (gesetze-im-internet.de)
- Flüchtlingsrat Niedersachsen - Guide for Persons with Duldung (nds-fluerat.org)
- BMWSB - Wohngeld-Plus-Gesetz (bmwsb.bund.de)
- Wohngeld calculator and information (wohngeld.org)
- Directory of sworn translators in Germany (justiz-dolmetscher.de)
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