Due to rising energy prices, the government in Germany has decided to introduce an energy package to ease the burden on citizens. A total of 19 billion euros will be allocated for this purpose. Below, we explain what employees and self-employed people in Germany have to do to receive a lump sum of 300 euros, as well as how the price of gasoline is to drop by 30 cents and what the “9 for 90” public transport ticket is all about.
How to get a 300 euro lump sum under the German energy package?
The centerpiece of the energy package in Germany is the €300 energy lump sum payment for almost everyone: “All persons in gainful employment subject to income tax in Germany will receive a one-time energy lump sum of 300 euros as a supplement to their salary,” – reads the resolution document.
Employees in Germany do not have to apply for anything in this case, the employer will pay the money itself and receive it back from the tax office. “The payment is made via the payroll of the employer or principal,” – the document reads. Self-employed workers will receive a one-time reduction in advance income tax payments. However, the lump sum must be taxed.
What assistance will families and individuals in need receive?
Families are to receive a one-time allowance of €100 per child in addition to the child benefit. Family funds will pay it as part of the child allowance. The supplement will be offset against the child benefit. Recipients of social benefits such as Hartz IV are now to receive 200 euros as a one-time payment instead of the previously agreed 100 euros. The coalition assumes that Hartz IV rates will be raised accordingly in 2023 due to high energy prices.
How much of a discount can you get at a gas station?
The gasoline discount initially advocated by FDP leader Christian Lindner is no longer under consideration. Instead, the coalition will cut the energy tax on fuel to the European minimum for a limited period (three months). During the presentation of the plans, Lindner said that this would mean a reduction of 30 cents per liter of gasoline and 14 cents per liter of diesel. An important question is whether oil production companies will also pass on the tax cut.
How does the “9 for 90” ticket work?
To promote public transportation, the German government will introduce the “9 for 90” ticket, which is expected to cost nine euros per month and be available for 90 days. To this end, the federal government wants to increase funding to the states, which will pass it on to bus and rail operators. However, the details must be clarified by politicians together with the Association of German Transport Companies, only then can the idea be implemented.
Many questions remain unanswered: How much money will the federal government reimburse? Do customers have to buy a three-month subscription for 27 euros, or can they buy individual monthly tickets for 9 euros? How far can they travel with these tickets? It is also unclear how quickly ticket machines and apps will be able to sell the new offer. And what about people who have already paid for an expensive monthly ticket out of their own pocket? They will presumably be left out in the cold.
For comparison (NRW): Ticket 2000 in the cheapest version at price level A costs 63.95 euros for a monthly subscription and 72.40 euros for a single month. e.
How will homeowners be supported?
Support will also be given to homeowners who replace heating systems that are more than 20 years old and switch from gas to a heat pump. For new buildings, it is planned that from 2024, “where possible, any newly installed heating system should be powered by 65% renewable energy”. A higher efficiency standard has already been set for new buildings from 2023: It can use only 55% of the energy consumed by the reference home.
When will the energy package come into effect?
The aid should reach German residents “as soon as possible,” deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann said Friday. The Auto-Bild newspaper reported Friday, citing coalition circles, that the package of measures could come into effect on June 1 at the earliest.
source: www.insidegermany.co