Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Housing benefit change

Description

In the following cases, you must notify the housing benefit authority if something changes:

if the rent/burden (excluding heating costs) is reduced by more than 15 percent,
if the income of household members increases by more than 15 percent,
if the number of household members decreases,
if one or more household members apply for or receive other social benefits (e.g. citizen's allowance, basic security).

As a result of the changes, your housing benefit may be reduced or eliminated.

If you are already receiving housing benefit, you can submit a new application for higher housing benefit.

Requirements

You can apply for higher housing benefit in the following cases:

if your total income has decreased,
if the number of household members to be taken into account has increased, or
if your rent or burden on home ownership has increased.

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

Which documents are required?

Proof of income (salary statement, pension notice)
Lease
Documents on the cost of the residential property you use, if you are the owner
Proof of receipt of transfer benefits, if you receive them (citizen's allowance, basic security)

Processing duration

The increase in housing benefit takes place from the time of application. As a rule, a retroactive increase in housing benefit is not possible.

Who should I contact?

Housing Benefit Authority

Process flow

You inform the housing benefit authority if something has changed for you.

You can also apply for increased housing benefit at your local housing benefit authority. The requirements for this entitlement are examined.

What else should I know?

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

To ensure that you do not unjustifiably claim housing benefit, the housing benefit authority may regularly check the household members by means of a so-called data comparison.