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Eurofound's EU PolicyWatch collates information on the responses of government and social partners to the COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine, rising inflation, as well as gathering examples of company practices aimed at mitigating the social and economic impacts.

Factsheet for measure DE-2022-27/2228 Updated – measures in Germany

Child bonus 2022 to cushion pressures on families from rising energy prices

Kinderbonus 2022

Country Germany , applies nationwide
Time period Temporary, 01 July 2022 – 31 July 2022
Context COVID-19, War in Ukraine, Cost of Living Crisis
Type Legislations or other statutory regulations
Category Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery into a green future
– Support for energy bills
Author Birgit Kraemer (Hans Boeckler Foundation) and Eurofound
Measure added 09 May 2022 (updated 27 February 2023)

Background information

In the course of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine energy prices have been significantly rising, including, among others, for the heating of homes. In March 2022, the German government decided to adopt an energy relief package addressed to citizens, workers, and companies. The child bonus 2022 is a central part of the package and addressed to support families with children.

Content of measure

The child bonus 2022 of €100 per child will be paid out in July to cushion the particular hardship for families due to increased energy prices. As the bonus is calculated per child, families with more children will receive a higher amount. The one-time payment will come in addition to the regular child benefit. The bonus will be paid out automatically by the relevant family benefits office and usually does not have to be applied for. The child bonus 2022 is not to be taken into account as income for the calculation of social benefits and will therefore also support recipients of social or unemployment assistance.

Updates

The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.

28 November 2022

The measure is no longer active. The child bonus was a one-time payment and was paid in July 2022.

Use of measure

Since the child bonus 2022 is designed as an automatic payment there should be no issues regarding take-up or problems with applications.

According to the Federal Government, around 2.9 million children affected by poverty and their families will benefit from the immediate supplement of €100.

Target groups

Workers Businesses Citizens
Applies to all workers Does not apply to businesses Children (minors)
Parents

Actors and funding

Actors Funding
National government
National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

Trade unions Employers' organisations
Role Consulted Consulted
Form Direct consultation outside a formal body Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

  • Unknown
  • Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

Social partners together with other interested groups have been consulted during an oral hearing of the competent committee of the national parliament (Bundestag).

Views and reactions

No information available.

Sources

Citation

Eurofound (2022), Child bonus 2022 to cushion pressures on families from rising energy prices, measure DE-2022-27/2228 (measures in Germany), EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, https://static.eurofound.europa.eu/covid19db/cases/DE-2022-27_2228.html

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