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Relief package
Energy price flat rates and further assistance in the energy crisis
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Measures to secure an affordable energy supply
The Russian war of aggression on Ukraine has led to massively rising prices. Gas, gasoline, food - everything is more expensive. Especially families and single parents are under high financial pressure. But no one is being left alone: The German government has decided on comprehensive measures to relieve the pressure.
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These government policies will help you get through the energy crisis
One thing in advance: The rising cost of living is becoming a burden for many citizens. Therefore, do not be afraid to apply for the help and government assistance to which you are entitled. Only in the medium to long term, the situation will probably relax again as soon as more renewable energy alternatives are available.
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Until then, Germany stands together to overcome the crisis in the best possible way! The 3rd relief package of the federal government contains aid in the amount of 65 billion euros and includes, among other things, the following benefits:
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The energy flat rate is 300 euros and was paid in September 2022 to all dependent employees in Germany. The payment was made automatically with the payroll. However, the energy flat rate is taxable. Employees whose annual income is below the tax-free amount of 10,347 euros and mini-jobbers received the full amount. Self-employed received the energy price flat rate as a tax rebate, the tax office automatically reduced the advance tax payment for September.
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Many pensioners received a one-time energy price flat rate of 300 euros in December 2022. Eligible are pensioners who received an old-age, disability or survivor's pension of the statutory pension insurance or the old-age insurance of farmers as of December 1, 2022, and have their residence in Germany.
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An application was in principle not necessary. Who has not received the energy allowance, however, despite entitlement, can make an application to the DRV-Knappschaft-Bahn-See for subsequent payment.
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All students who were enrolled at a university in Germany on December 1, 2022, as well as specialized students, can apply for a one-time payment of 200 euros. The one-time payment can now be applied for online. All important information about it, as well as a FAQ list, can be found on the website www.einmalzahlung200.de.
In addition to the one-time payment, the BMBF relieves young people, for example, through the BAföG reform, the energy price flat rate and subsidies for heating costs. Read more here: Energy crisis and inflation - relief for students.
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With the gas and electricity price cap, citizens are to be noticeably relieved of high energy costs from the beginning of 2023. For the so-called basic supply, the price will be capped. Private households will pay 12 cents per kilowatt hour for gas, while the price for district heating will be capped at 9.5 cents per kilowatt hour. For electricity, private consumers pay 40 cents per kilowatt hour for basic needs.
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The lower prices apply to a contingent of 80 percent of the annual consumption forecast in September 2022. For the remaining 20 percent, the normal market price applies. So saving energy remains important. The electricity and gas price break starts March 1, and the relief amounts for January and February will be paid in arrears in March 2023. Current information can be found on the Internet site of the federal government.
For gas consumption, the tax rate will be temporarily reduced from 19 percent to 7 percent. This measure will apply until the end of March 2024.
Since the gas price brake works only starting from 2023, the Federal Government decided for bridging the so-called December assistance: Gas and district heating customers have received a one-time refund in December in the amount of a monthly discount.
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The calculation was based on one-twelfth of the annual consumption. How to get your December discount, explains this Podcast in the ARD-Mediathek.
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The increase in the CO2 price planned for January 1, 2023, will be postponed by one year to January 1, 2024.
Where can we find help and advice?
It remains important to save energy. The most important measure to absorb price increases is therefore: use energy sparingly! But what can you do personally to reduce consumption in your own household?
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The Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen offers extensive information and advice on its Internet portal. If money is tight, you can find tips on how to save. This checklist helps when there's not enough money to pay the gas or electricity bill. Answers to frequently asked questions about gas apportionment, price jumps and ways to help are summarized in the FAQ on the gas crisis. If you would like advice - in person, online, or by phone - feel free to contact the Service Center.
For detailed information on how to benefit from the energy flat rate, visit this website of the Consumer Center.
If you have debts or serious payment problems, contact the debt counseling service in North Rhine-Westphalia directly. The experienced counselors will help you. You can find a local advice center via the portal www.meine-schulden.de/beratungsstellen
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More informationLinks for further reading
The most important measures in the overview offers the Internet side of the Federal Government.
