Because of the high energy prices, many are threatened with a hefty back payment in the summer. Not everyone can just put up with it, says the federal government – and is helping.
Low-income households and many students and trainees are to receive a subsidy for heating costs in the summer, according to the will of the federal government. The cabinet decided on Wednesday corresponding plans by Minister of Construction Klara Geywitz (SPD).
With the one-time financial injection, the exploded prices for heating oil and gas are to be cushioned somewhat – because many consumers are threatened with a hefty additional payment in the summer.
There should be support for recipients of housing benefit, for students with student loans, recipients of ascent student loans and vocational training grants. Recipients of housing benefit who live alone receive 135 euros, two-person households 175 euros. For each additional roommate, another 35 euros are provided. Students, trainees and other beneficiaries receive a flat rate of 115 euros.
“Around 2.1 million people in Germany will receive a one-time heating subsidy from the federal government from June this year,” said Geywitz. These include retirees, single parents or people who earn little. “They can’t just put up with rising energy prices that easily.” The aid costs the federal government almost 190 million euros.
Uncomplicated help
The heating subsidy is planned as a quick and uncomplicated help, said Geywitz. Most beneficiaries get the money transferred directly to their account without an application. Only those who get Bafög or Aufstiegs-Bafög have to apply for it separately.
Geywitz also announced further relief for tenants. The CO2 price is divided between landlords and tenants. “We’ll do that by June 1,” she promised. The federal government must also support renovations and energy-efficient new builds.
The housing industry welcomed the subsidy, but at the same time called for long-term solutions in view of the high energy prices. The value-added tax for fuel should be reduced from 19 to 7 percent for a limited period of time. Because the federal government would incur additional expenses as a result of the heating cost subsidy, but at the same time it would also collect more taxes from households if energy prices rose. Geywitz rejected a reduction in VAT on oil and gas. The state needs the revenue. “If you pull on a short blanket, someone else is always cold,” she said on rbb info radio.
According to figures from the comparison portal Check24, energy is currently more expensive than ever. An example family had to pay 57 percent more for electricity, heating and mobility this January than a year ago. The costs for heating rose the most, they would have more than doubled.
Source: Stern
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