Everything is getting more expensive – but for some people there is at least more money in July: for pensioners, parents, low earners and Hartz IV recipients. There are also important changes to the citizen tests and new rules for the return of old electronic devices.
July also has some changes in store for citizens. Those who work for the minimum wage get more money, and pensioners also get a decent plus. Corona citizen tests normally have to be paid for from July. An overview:
interest
There will be a significant pension increase on July 1st. Retirement benefits will increase by 5.35 percent in western Germany and by 6.12 percent in eastern Germany.
minimum wage
Those who work for the minimum wage will get more money from July. The statutory lower wage limit increases from EUR 9.82 to EUR 10.45 per hour. This corresponds to the decision of the Minimum Wage Commission, which regularly adjusts the amount. At the request of politicians, an unscheduled one-time jump to twelve euros per hour will follow on October 1st. The Bundestag has already decided that.
Hartz IV supplement
For adult Hartz IV recipients there is a one-off payment of 200 euros in July. For recipients of unemployment benefit I, the surcharge is 100 euros.
children’s bonus
Because of the increased energy prices, the child benefit is increased once. The child bonus of 100 euros is granted independently of social security benefits. The immediate surcharge of 20 euros per month is aimed specifically at children in low-income families. It should be given to children, adolescents and young adults who are entitled to basic security, payments under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act or additional support for living expenses under the Federal Supply Act – or for whom child supplements are paid.
heating allowance
According to the Federal Building Ministry, the heating cost subsidy for low earners is paid out in July in some federal states. One-person households receiving housing benefit receive a one-time payment of EUR 270, a two-person household EUR 350 and each additional family member EUR 70. Students and trainees who receive state aid such as Bafög also receive the heating subsidy.
EEG surcharge does not apply
From July there will also be no surcharge for the promotion of green electricity. It was last at 3.72 cents per kilowatt hour.
citizen tests
The citizen tests, which have so far been free for everyone, are only available to a limited extent – for example for children up to five years of age, pregnant women in the first three months, visitors to hospitals and nursing homes, members of the household of infected people and residents of integration assistance facilities. All those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons can continue to be tested free of charge.
If you want to be tested, for example because you are attending a major event, a family celebration or if there are warnings on the Corona app, you have to pay a share of three euros yourself.
cancellation button
From July it will be easier to terminate contracts on the Internet – the so-called termination button is coming. This is stipulated by the law on fair consumer contracts. If a company offers to conclude a contract online via a website, it must also be possible to cancel via the website. The button applies, for example, to subscriptions to magazines or streaming services as well as to gym or mobile phone contracts. If a button is missing, although a company is obliged to do so, termination without notice is possible.
Taking back old electronic devices
From July, supermarkets and drugstores will have to take back used electrical appliances. Smaller items such as kettles, cell phones and flashlights can be returned regardless of whether a product has been purchased new. In the case of larger devices such as vacuum cleaners and refrigerators, the old devices can be given in exchange for a new purchase. A prerequisite for the shops to accept electronic waste is a certain sales area and that they themselves regularly offer electronic devices.
