Housing benefit is increasing, Hartz IV is becoming citizen benefit and health insurance is becoming more expensive for many people with statutory health insurance: Consumers will face numerous changes in the new year, many of which will take effect in January. An overview.
citizen money
Citizens’ income replaces the Hartz IV system. The payments in the basic security increase by more than 50 euros, single people will receive 502 euros in the future. However, significant parts of the reform will not come into force until July 1st. The job centers should then be able to take greater care of the unemployed.
child support
The child benefit increases to a uniform 250 euros per month and child. That means a plus of 31 euros for the first and second child and a plus of 25 euros per month for the third child.
housing benefit
The housing benefit increases by an average of 190 euros to 370 euros per month. In addition, significantly more people are eligible to apply. Households that do not receive social benefits but still have little money can apply for the state rent subsidy.
Contribution to unemployment insurance
The contribution to unemployment insurance increases by 0.2 percentage points to 2.6 percent. The contribution fell in two steps to 2.4 percent in 2019/2020 – but even then it was planned that it would rise again in early 2023. Half of the contribution is paid by the employer and half by the employee.
Rising health insurance contributions
For the insured, the health insurance contributions – currently an average of 15.9 percent – will probably be increased by 0.3 points to an average of 16.2 percent.
No vaccinations for nursing staff
The compulsory vaccination for employees in clinics and nursing homes, which has been in force since March, will in all likelihood no longer apply.
Air conditioning fee for heating
In many cases, landlords have to contribute to their tenants’ climate tax for heating. The so-called CO2 price is divided between tenants and landlords according to a tiered model. The less climate-friendly the house is, the more the landlord has to take on. So far, tenants have had to pay the levy, which is intended to help reduce climate-damaging carbon dioxide emissions.
Deadline for property tax returns
House and apartment owners must submit their property tax return by the end of January. The original deadline was the end of October. Because of the slow entrance it was lengthened.
Electronic certificate of incapacity for work
Employers are now obliged to take part in the notification procedure for the electronic certificate of incapacity for work (eAU). Sick employees who are legally insured no longer have to present their employer with a paper certificate of incapacitation, but in practice they receive a printout for their documents.
Changes in midi jobs
In the case of so-called midi jobs, the earnings limit increases. Employees in this group may earn 2,000 euros instead of 1,600 euros in the future. Up to this limit, employees have to pay lower social security contributions.
Driver’s License Exchange
Drivers born between 1959 and 1964 must have exchanged their driving license for a new EU document in credit card format by January 19, 2023.
tobacco tax
Taxes on cigarettes, cigarillos and tobacco are increasing. Packs of 20 cigarettes will cost an average of 18 cents more in future.
Tax concession for LPG
Anyone who fills up their vehicle with autogas, also known as LPG, has to dig deeper into their pockets. A tax concession expires and the regular tax rate of 409 euros per ton applies. However, according to the ADAC, the taxes are cheaper than for petrol or diesel.
truck toll
The truck toll on Germany’s trunk roads will be increased. Noise and air pollution costs are given more consideration when calculating the rates.
reusable
In the future, restaurants, bistros and cafés will also have to offer drinks and food for on the go in reusable containers.
Supply Chain Law
The Supply Chain Act, which aims to protect human rights in international supply chains, applies to companies with more than 3,000 employees with immediate effect. It obliges companies to react to abuses when purchasing material from abroad.
CO2 price for landlords Supply chain law Midi jobs ADAC on LPG Tobacco tax TK on electronic sick leave Bundestag on truck tolls Contribution rate Unemployment insurance Ministry of Transport on driving license exchange
