Rising energy costs are a burden on Munich households. The city council has reacted to this and is offering financial support to poorer people: a one-off electricity cost subsidy. That was already decided at the beginning of the year, and from this Friday onwards, citizens can now apply for the electricity cost subsidy at the respective social community centres. The aim is to prevent people from falling into poverty because they can no longer pay their heating and electricity costs, said Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) about the new aid.
Who is eligible? The electricity subsidy is aimed at all people who are also approved for the Munich Pass. This not only affects citizens who receive social assistance or Hartz IV benefits, but also citizens whose monthly income is below the poverty risk limit of 1350 euros for single people. People who do voluntary service can also make use of the financial injection. Within the electricity cost subsidy, households with up to two people can then receive 50 euros, households with three or more people 100 euros.
How to apply for help? According to the social department, the one-off support can be paid out for a year, up to June 30, 2023. In addition to the passport or identity card and information on rent and health insurance, citizens also need proof of their income and assets in order to be able to apply for the subsidy. You also have to submit the annual bill for the energy costs from January to June and receipts for other possible benefits such as housing benefit or child allowances.
Is there more support? In addition to the electricity cost subsidy, there are currently other offers. The social department is reminiscent of the hardship fund. This helps people with low incomes who are threatened with the blocking of household electricity or heating energy. Here, too, citizens can contact their responsible social center. The fund consists of money from the welfare organizations and foundation funds from the social department.