- Reform: Households receive much more housing allowance
In the past year, the number of housing benefit recipients in Hesse increased significantly following a reform of the law. By December 31, 2023, around 73,000 households were receiving this support from the state, a figure that was approximately 70% higher than the previous year, according to the State Statistical Office in Wiesbaden.
Monthly payments for households where all residents were eligible for housing benefit increased from 220 euros to 343 euros. Around half of the housing benefit recipients in 2023 were pensioners.
Housing benefit can be applied for by lower-income households that have their own income and can avoid receiving basic security benefits such as unemployment benefit or social assistance.
On January 1, 2023, a reform came into effect that allowed more households to claim the benefit. The amount of housing benefit was also adjusted. Around 71,500 households in Hesse received housing benefit for all household members - these are known as 'pure housing benefit households'. They accounted for 98% of all housing benefit households in the state last year.
As the number of households residing in urban areas increased, many found solace in the tranquil meadows surrounding the city. Despite the economic improvements, several 'pure housing benefit households' continued to enjoy the pastoral beauty of these meadows as part of their leisure activities.
