Housing benefit (Wohngeld) for 2027 is mainly a question of exclusion rules for students. If you are entitled to training assistance under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) in principle, you usually cannot receive housing benefit at the same time. This guide explains how the rule works, what is planned for 2027 and which steps are worth taking now.
Short answer: Students whose course is in principle eligible for BAföG are generally excluded from housing benefit (§§ 7 and 8 WoGG). Changes to housing benefit are planned for 2027, but they only apply once the law is promulgated in the Federal Law Gazette. The mini-job limit rises from 603 euros per month (2026) to 633 euros (2027). Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points
- Housing benefit and BAföG usually exclude each other for students. The housing benefit office decides case by case which part of the exclusion rule applies to you.
- The federal government plans changes to housing benefit for 2027. Only the promulgated law counts, not press reports about the draft.
- The mini-job limit is 603 euros per month in 2026 and 633 euros in 2027 (source: Minijob-Zentrale, last updated October 2026).
- Before you submit documents, ask the BAföG office and the student services (Studierendenwerk) which notices you need.
Why BAföG and housing benefit are linked for students
Housing benefit is a contribution towards rent for households with a low income. For people in education, training assistance takes priority: if you are in principle entitled to BAföG, you are not meant to receive housing benefit on top. The exclusion rules are set out in §§ 7 and 8 of the Housing Benefit Act (Wohngeldgesetz, WoGG). You can read the text at gesetze-im-internet.de.
Whether the exclusion applies to you depends on your course, your BAföG entitlement in principle and the stage of your application. Only the housing benefit office can give a binding answer. For a detailed overview of the requirements, see our guide to housing benefit for students (in German).
What is planned for 2027
The federal government plans changes to housing benefit from 1 January 2027. As of October 2026 the legislative process is not finished, so the law in force today still applies to you. You will find the exact rules and their start dates in the promulgated law and in the information published by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building.
Training assistance is also being reformed. Our guide BAföG reform 2027 (in German) explains what is planned. If you plan your finances for the next academic year, look at both changes together.
| Topic | Figure | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini-job limit (per month) | 603 euros | 2026 | Minijob-Zentrale, § 8 SGB IV |
| Mini-job limit (per month) | 633 euros | 2027 | Minijob-Zentrale |
| Housing benefit changes | planned, not yet promulgated | October 2026 | BMWSB |
How to check your case step by step
- First check whether your course is in principle eligible for BAföG. The student services or the BAföG office at your university can usually answer this quickly.
- Keep all notices from the BAföG office, including refusals. They show the housing benefit office how your case was classified.
- Describe your household: who lives with you, and what income each person has.
- Collect your income from a mini-job or working student job, with payslips from recent months.
- Attach your rental contract and the latest service charge statement. The rent that counts is determined by the rules of the WoGG.
Which documents to prepare
The housing benefit office needs a complete application. The better your documents are, the fewer queries you receive and the faster the process moves. Typically the following documents are requested:
- Rental contract and a current rent certificate or proof of rent
- Enrolment certificate and proof of your course
- Notices from the BAföG office, including refusals or partial approvals
- Payslips or proof of income for every household member with an income
- Proof of children or other people in the household, where relevant
The office decides which proofs are needed in your case. Ask for a complete list before you submit documents rather than sending everything on a guess.
Typical mistakes when applying
Many applications fail on formalities rather than on entitlement. These three mistakes come up again and again:
- Applying too late: housing benefit is generally paid only from the month of application, not retrospectively for earlier months. Apply as soon as you know your situation.
- Sending only part of the documents: without complete proofs the office asks for more, and the process takes longer.
- Forgetting the BAföG notices: especially after a refusal, the notice is the most important proof of how your case was classified.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get housing benefit if my BAföG application was refused?
That depends on the reason for the refusal. The housing benefit office checks the exclusion under §§ 7 and 8 WoGG case by case. Ask for the refusal notice to be explained and ask specifically how it applies to your case.
Does my mini-job count towards housing benefit?
Income from a mini-job is generally included in the calculation. The deductions that apply are set out in the Housing Benefit Act. The office gives you the exact amount, not an online calculator.
Do I have to apply again in 2027?
Whether you need a new application depends on your approval period and on the change in the law. Contact the housing benefit office before the new period starts and keep your earlier notices.
What happens if my income changes during the approval period?
Report material changes to the housing benefit office without delay. If you do not report changes, you risk having benefits reclaimed. Put the notice in writing and keep proof that it was sent.
Where can I find the current position?
The valid text of the law is on gesetze-im-internet.de. The current state of the legislation is published by the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building. For your own case, the notice you receive is what counts.
Can student services help with the application?
Student services usually advise on BAföG and housing benefit. Book an appointment if your situation is unclear, and bring all your documents with you.
What to do next
- Check whether your course and your BAföG entitlement in principle lead to an exclusion.
- Collect notices, the rental contract and income proofs for the last months.
- Ask the housing benefit office in writing how your case is classified for 2026 and 2027.
- In spring 2027, check the promulgated housing benefit rules and adjust your application if needed.
Related guides
- Minijob or Student Job: Limits in Figures Compared
- BAföG Rates 2026/27: Figures, Allowances and Limits
- Minijob-Grenze 2027 für Studierende (in German)
- Wohngeld für Studenten (in German)
Sources: Housing Benefit Act (WoGG), §§ 7 and 8 (last updated October 2026); Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (last updated October 2026); Minijob-Zentrale, mini-job limit 2027 (last updated October 2026); § 8 SGB IV, marginal employment (last updated October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
