Status: 17.09.2021 10:41 a.m.
The victims of the flood disaster in North Rhine-Westphalia are to receive billions of euros in aid. Those affected can submit their applications from Friday.
The money for the reconstruction after the flood disaster is there. Last week, the Bundestag and Bundesrat approved the EUR 30 billion aid fund. But now it’s about how the money gets to those affected. Up to 12.3 billion euros are earmarked for NRW. Building Minister Ina Scharrenbach (CDU) said on Tuesday in WDR 5 Morgenecho that the 12.3 billion euros would be “financed through a sales tax mechanism” over 30 years. The minister emphasized: “This is not in debt.”
Scharrenbach: “Security loops” against fraudsters
As a rule, they go from “honest” applicants, said Scharrenbach. After cases of fraud in Corona aid, however, it is to be expected that there will also be some problem cases here. Therefore “security loops” have been built into the online application process.
The state government published a special funding guideline on Monday. From next Friday, affected residents, companies and municipalities can submit applications. The necessary forms are available on the Internet together with further information.
The construction aids go to three groups:
Private households and companies in the housing industry
As a rule, up to 80 percent of the costs are funded. In certain cases it should even be up to 100 percent. This includes, among other things, the repair of damage to buildings and the purchase or new construction of destroyed houses. Those affected should be able to apply for a lump sum for damage to their household effects. A one-person household is entitled to 13,000 euros for furniture or kitchens, with more people the flat rate is higher. There is also money in the event of loss of rent.
However, the construction aid is subordinate, said Scharrenbach on Monday. “Insurance benefits, donations and emergency aid for the same purpose are deducted.”
Anyone who has no insurance – according to Scharrenbach around 50 percent of those affected – needs a “damage assessment”. “Because on the one hand we want a simple procedure, and on the other hand we need security in the procedure,” said the minister. Around 4,7000 experts are available. However, an application can be made before the required documents have been collected. The reconstruction should not be hindered by this. Up to 100,000 applications from private individuals are expected.
Companies
You can claim funds for repair costs or economic value in the event of property damage. In addition, loss of income will be compensated until January 2022. In order to get money, an appraiser has to determine the damage. Then the competent chambers should examine the documents. Only then is the application submitted to NRW.BANK. She grants the aid and pays out the money. It is important that the construction work can begin even before the application is submitted.
Agriculture and Forestry
Here, too, the funding is usually 80 percent of the costs, in special cases of hardship up to 100 percent is possible. For example, it is about broken machines or damaged buildings.
Hotline for questions about reconstruction
Citizens and entrepreneurs can use a service number to ask their questions about flood relief. The hotline can be reached Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 0211-46844994.
Those affected in the urban region Aachen a special offer is made. There will be buses in which the applications can be submitted directly. Employees from the local authorities are there to help.