High energy prices: Where can you find relief?

The German government has approved a package of relief measures. An overview

With energy prices on the rise, there is growing concern about the next utility bill for 2022. The German government has therefore decided on a package of relief measures for households with low or medium incomes. An overview.

1. special payment of 300 euros from the energy price lump sum

One of the measures in the federal government's relief package is a one-off special payment that is to be transferred to all employed persons subject to income tax.

How do I get the energy allowance?

For salaried employees, it is planned that 300 euros gross will be paid out with the salary. The payment will be made from September 2022, so it is possible that the money will not be paid out in September, but at a later date.

Please note that the 300 euros are subject to income tax.

For the self-employed, the energy price allowance reduces the advance income tax payment.

As the energy price allowance is linked to payroll accounting, this means that pensioners, for example, cannot benefit from this measure.

2. apply for housing benefit from the housing benefit authority

Housing benefit is a benefit for families with a low income. You can receive housing benefit as a subsidy towards rent or towards the costs of owner-occupied housing.

How can I apply for housing benefit?

You must apply for housing benefit in writing to your housing benefit office. You will also find the application forms there and can get advice. Housing benefit is not paid retroactively, but from the month in which the application was made.

If you receive other social benefits that already take your housing costs into account, you cannot normally receive housing benefit. These include, for example, unemployment benefit II, social benefit, vocational training allowance or BAföG.

The amount of housing benefit depends on:

You can use the housing benefit calculator from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building to work out how much housing benefit you are likely to receive.

3. supplementary social benefits - assistance with living expenses

Every person who is unable to meet their basic needs is entitled to subsistence assistance.

Please note here: In the case of persons living in private households, partners living together and underage children living in the household are regarded as a so-called single household.

A joint ownership arrangement is characterized by the fact that the partners in this joint ownership arrangement are liable for each other's income and assets.

Who is entitled to supplementary social benefits?

The responsible social welfare office or job center will check whether you are entitled to assistance with living expenses.

The following rule of thumb applies to the amount of assistance for living expenses:

Social welfare needs minus income to be taken into account = amount of benefit

4. child supplement for families with a low income

Families with a low income are entitled to a child supplement under certain conditions - in addition to child benefit.

If there is not enough income for the whole family, parents or guardians can apply for child supplement in addition to child benefit.

How do I get the child supplement?

The child supplement must be applied for separately at the family benefits office.

As a rule, you will receive child supplement for 6 months. After that, you must reapply for the child supplement.

The amount of the child supplement depends on how much income and assets you, your partner and your child have.

With the KiZ-Lotsen you can find out whether you meet the requirements for the child supplement: KiZ-Lotse for child supplement

5. assumption of energy debts to the job center or social welfare office

If you do not have enough money to pay the gas or electricity arrears/annual bill all at once, try to arrange an installment payment with your energy supplier.

The amount of the installments must be in line with the available income and the current deductions and must also be affordable over a longer period of time. Try to agree the longest possible terms and thus lower installments

When is it possible for the Jobcenter or social welfare office to take over the debt?

If an installment payment is refused, you should immediately contact the local job center or social welfare office.

There you can apply to have your energy debts taken over . This is usually done on a loan basis.

Low-income employees can also apply to the social welfare office (or the job center if they receive top-up benefits) to have their energy debts paid if they cannot pay the debt from their own resources and the energy supplier refuses an installment payment agreement.

Debts or high bills: Not getting anywhere on your own?

The consumer advice center offers advice in all federal states.

Please note: Advice is offered by the consumer advice centers of the federal states. Some of them are subject to a charge.

Or ask your pme Familienservice consultant as soon as possible if your employer provides the service.

The pme Familienservice helps your employees with: