The housing allowance is a flat-rate component of BAföG need and does not reimburse your actual rent. It may therefore differ from your housing costs. For school-based vocational training, BAföG is available only for eligible types of school and when personal and financial requirements are met. The calculation takes account of the applicable need rates and your living situation; your own income and, where applicable, your parents’ or partner’s income may reduce the payment. Dual in-company training is not usually financed through BAföG. Vocational training assistance may be available instead for recognized training. A single person who is eligible for BAföG in principle is generally excluded from housing benefit, even if no BAföG is paid. Special assessments apply to mixed households.
Housing allowance before vocational training in Germany
For school-based vocational training, BAföG may take housing costs into account in addition to basic needs. Whether and how much of this component is paid depends, among other things, on the type of school and whether you live with your parents.
Tip
Do not plan your housing costs around an assumed BAföG housing allowance before checking whether your specific type of school is eligible and how your living situation affects the calculation. Also allow for the possibility that your own income or your parents’ or partner’s income may reduce the payment.