Factsheet for measure
DE-2022-36/3051
– measures in Germany
Energy grant
Energiekostenzuschuss
Background information
Due to the rising inflation resulting from the sanctions against Russia that invaded the Ukraine, the federal government has issued a total of three relief packages during 2022. The first two relief packages stem from the first half of 2022.The last relief package (adopted by the federal government in September 2022 and by the German parliament in December 2022) is the biggest one in terms of financial aid. However, all three packages are worth €95 billion. In addition, the federal government created a fund worth €200 billion to cushion the rising energy prices. In this context, the federal government issued many energy-related measures. Amongst other things, the federal government also decided to pay a one-off payment to employees, students and pensioners to help them cover rising energy costs.
Content of measure
The federal government decided to pay a one-off payment to all employees, pensioners and students in 2022. Employees working in a job liable to social security contributions received the grant worth €300 automatically with their September 2022 pay checks. Pensioners received the same grant in December 2022. Students that were enrolled in a university or school in December 2022 will also receive the payment. However, their payment is with €200 lower than the one for employees and pensioners and will be paid out in 2023. The grant is meant to help the mentioned target groups with covering their rising energy costs.
Use of measure
No data yet.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Company / Companies
Social insurance
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National funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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|
Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
-
No involvement
-
Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
Social partners contributed their comments and position papers to the parliamentary hearings held on the measure in autumn 2022.
Views and reactions
The Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) welcomed the measure as such. However, it also stated apart from this single measure more had to be done to help pensioners and other vulnerable groups with covering the rising costs. For example, the DGB called for increasing the pension amounts.
Sources
