Wohngeld Decision – Processing, Payment & Appeal

After submission, the Wohngeldstelle of the City of Essen reviews your application. You will receive a written decision. Here you can find out how processing works and what you should keep in mind.

How processing works

Initial check: the Wohngeldstelle checks whether the application is complete. Missing documents will be requested.
Assessment: income, rent and household size are reviewed on the basis of your documents.
Decision: you receive a written decision (Bescheid) on the approval or rejection.
Payment: if approved, the Wohngeld is transferred to your account monthly.

The Wohngeld decision

The decision states whether and in what amount Wohngeld has been granted and for which period. Please check the decision carefully and keep it safe.

Appealing the decision

If you disagree with the decision, you can lodge an appeal within one month of its notification. The instructions on legal remedies at the end of the decision explain how and where this is possible.

Report changes – your obligations

You must report changes in your circumstances – for example in income, household size or rent – to the Wohngeldstelle without delay.
Overpaid Wohngeld must be repaid – reporting changes promptly protects you.
On request of the Wohngeldstelle, the information must be substantiated by evidence.

Benefit period

Wohngeld is usually granted for twelve months. After that, you must submit a new application if you wish to continue receiving Wohngeld.

Payment of Wohngeld

Wohngeld is paid from the month of application – not retroactively for earlier months. Payment is made monthly to your account.