Germany housing benefit recipients hit record 1.3 million, up 7.2%

German housing benefit (Wohngeld) recipients reached an all-time high of over 1.3 million households, a 7.2% increase from 2025. This reflects worsening housing affordability and rising cost-of-living pressures, likely driven by rent increases and energy costs. The data signals growing strain on the social safety net, which may fuel political debate over housing policy ahead of elections.