That will change for consumers in July – from the minimum wage to the citizen test

July also has some changes in store for citizens. Those who work for the minimum wage get more money, and pensioners also get a decent plus. Corona citizen tests normally have to be paid for from July. An overview:

pension

There will be a substantial pension increase on July 1st. Retirement benefits will increase by 5.35 percent in western Germany and by 6.12 percent in eastern Germany.

minimum wage

Those who work for the minimum wage will get more money from July. The statutory lower wage limit increases from EUR 9.82 to EUR 10.45 per hour. This corresponds to the decision of the Minimum Wage Commission, which regularly adjusts the amount. At the request of politicians, an unscheduled one-time jump to twelve euros per hour will follow on October 1st. The Bundestag has already decided that.

Hartz IV supplement

For adult Hartz IV recipients there is a one-time payment of 200 euros in July. For recipients of unemployment benefit I, the surcharge is 100 euros.

child bonus

Because of the increased energy prices, the child benefit is increased once. The child bonus of 100 euros is granted independently of social security benefits. The immediate surcharge of 20 euros per month is aimed at children in low-income families. It should be given to children, adolescents and young adults who are entitled to basic security, payments under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act or additional support for living expenses under the Federal Supply Act – or for whom child supplements are paid.

heating allowance

According to the Federal Building Ministry, the heating cost subsidy for low earners will be paid out in July in some federal states. One-person households receiving housing benefit receive a one-time payment of EUR 270, a two-person household EUR 350 and each additional family member EUR 70. Students and trainees who receive state aid such as Bafög also receive the heating subsidy.

EEG surcharge does not apply

From July, the surcharge for the promotion of green electricity will no longer apply. It was last at 3.72 cents per kilowatt hour.

Citizen Tests

The citizen tests, which have so far been free for everyone, are only free to a limited extent – for example for children up to five years of age, pregnant women in the first three months, visitors to hospitals and nursing homes, household members of infected people and residents of integration assistance facilities. All those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons can continue to be tested free of charge.

If you want to be tested because you are attending a major event, a family celebration or if there are warnings on the Corona app, you have to pay a share of three euros.

cancellation button

From July it will be easier to terminate contracts on the Internet – the so-called termination button will appear. This is stipulated by the law on fair consumer contracts. If a company offers the conclusion of a contract online via a website, it must also be possible to terminate the contract again via the website. The button applies, for example, to subscriptions to magazines or streaming services as well as to gym or mobile phone contracts. If a button is missing, although a company is obliged to do so, termination without notice is possible.

Taking back old electronic devices

From July, supermarkets and drugstores will have to take back used electronic devices. Smaller items such as kettles, cell phones and flashlights can be returned regardless of whether a product has been purchased new. In the case of larger devices such as vacuum cleaners and refrigerators, the old devices can be given in exchange for a new purchase. A prerequisite for the shops to accept electronic waste is a certain sales area and that they themselves regularly offer electronic devices.