Wohnbeihilfe

Wohnbeihilfe is a form of housing allowance in Austria designed to help households with low and middle incomes cover housing costs. It is means-tested and paid monthly by public authorities to eligible residents as a supplement to their rent or housing payments.

The program is part of Austria’s social welfare system and is implemented primarily by municipalities or district administrative authorities under national and provincial legislation. While the general framework is nationwide, the exact rules, eligible rent levels, and benefit scales may vary between states (Länder) and cities, with Vienna operating its own administrative arrangements.

To qualify, applicants must reside in Austria and have a legally registered tenancy or own the dwelling in which they live as their primary residence. Income and sometimes assets must be below defined limits; the amount of the benefit depends on household size, income, and the reasonable housing costs (Kosten der Unterkunft) for the dwelling. Applicants must provide documentation such as proof of income, tenancy agreement, rent receipts, and proof of residence.

Benefits are calculated as a difference between the eligible housing costs and the portion of income deemed adequate by local scales; the result is the monthly Wohngeld, which may include components for heating costs. The amount can be adjusted if household circumstances change, and it is paid as a regular monthly payment.

Applications are submitted to the local authority; processing times vary. After approval, the recipient receives a Bescheid specifying the monthly amount and the conditions. Recipients must report changes in income, family composition, or tenancy, and benefits are typically reviewed annually or upon notable changes.