Housing benefit Approval of an increase

If your total income has decreased or your rent burden or the number of household members has increased, you can apply for an increase in housing benefit.

If you are currently receiving housing benefit, you can submit a new application for higher housing benefit as a subsidy towards your housing costs if

• your total income has decreased,
• the number of household members to be taken into account has increased or
• your rent or housing costs have increased.

These changes can, but do not necessarily have to, lead to an increase in housing benefit.

You must submit an application for increased housing benefit to your local housing benefit authority. The requirements for this entitlement will be checked.

The increase in housing benefit takes effect from the date of application. A retroactive increase in housing benefit is generally not possible.

Please contact the housing benefit authority responsible for your place of residence.

You must enclose the following documents with your application for an increase in housing benefit:

• Proof of income (salary certificate, pension certificate, etc.),
• proof of a rent increase, if applicable,
• Documents on the costs of the residential property you use, if you are its owner,
• Proof of the change that has occurred.

Prerequisites for an increase in housing benefit:

• a reduction in income of more than 10%,
• an increase in the number of household members
• an increase of more than 10% in the rent or the cost of home ownership.

These changes can, but do not have to, lead to an increase in housing benefit.

Contradiction

You will only receive a higher housing benefit if you apply for an increase.
You must submit the application for an increase to the housing benefit authority responsible for you. Once the application has been processed, the housing benefit authority will issue a decision.

Housing benefit is increased from the date of application. A retroactive increase in housing benefit is generally not possible.

If your financial situation or living circumstances have improved or changed, this may also lead to a reduction in housing benefit. You are therefore obliged to notify the housing benefit authority immediately of any changes that
immediately to the housing benefit authority.