Calculation Examples – How Much Wohngeld You Can Receive
Using five realistic examples, we show how much Wohngeld different households in Berlin can receive. The examples are based on the values for rent category IV (Berlin West) for 2026.
Example 1: Single person with low income
Starting situation:
A single person in Berlin-Neukölln (Mietstufe IV) earns €1,200 gross per month and pays €550 cold rent. After deducting taxes, social security contributions and allowances, the eligible income is approximately €850. The maximum eligible rent for one person in Mietstufe IV is €426. The calculation results in a Wohngeld entitlement of approximately €215 per month.
Example 2: Single parent with one child
Starting situation:
A single mother with a 6-year-old child lives in Berlin-Steglitz (Mietstufe IV). She earns €1,800 gross and receives €250 child benefit. The cold rent is €680. Eligible income after all deductions is approximately €1,350. The maximum eligible rent for two persons is €516. The calculation results in a Wohngeld of approximately €280 per month.
Example 3: Retired couple
Starting situation:
A retired couple in Berlin-Charlottenburg (Mietstufe IV) receives a joint monthly pension of €1,400 net. The cold rent is €620. Eligible income after deduction of allowances is approximately €1,050. The maximum eligible rent for two persons is €516. The calculation results in a Wohngeld of approximately €195 per month.
Example 4: Family with two children
Starting situation:
A family with two children (ages 8 and 12) lives in Berlin-Spandau (Mietstufe IV). Household income is €2,800 gross plus €500 child benefit. The cold rent is €850. After deducting taxes, social security contributions and allowances, eligible income is approximately €2,200. The maximum eligible rent for four persons is €740. The calculation results in a Wohngeld of approximately €310 per month.
Example 5: Student without BAföG
Starting situation:
A student in Berlin-Mitte (Mietstufe IV) has no BAföG entitlement and earns €520 per month from a mini-job. The cold rent is €480. Eligible income is approximately €350. The maximum eligible rent for one person is €426. The calculation results in a Wohngeld of approximately €280 per month.
Important note: The listed calculation examples are estimates and serve only as orientation. The actual Wohngeld amount is calculated individually by the responsible authority and may differ from the examples.