Status: 13.09.2021 4:14 p.m.
Billions in aid are available for reconstruction in the flood areas. North Rhine-Westphalia has now announced details of how much individual flood victims are entitled to and how they can get the money.
After the flood disaster, the federal and state governments put together a € 30 billion package for reconstruction. North Rhine-Westphalia accounts for up to 12.3 billion euros. The money is to be paid out to affected private individuals, companies and forestry operations. In addition, the destroyed infrastructure of the municipalities is to be rebuilt.
The country announced today which criteria and rules apply. The state government announced that the amount of the construction aid will usually cover 80 percent of the damage incurred. In cases of hardship, up to 100 percent of the damage amount could be covered. The criteria that apply to the hardship provision initially remained open.
Flat rate for damage to household items
Those affected should be able to apply for a lump sum for damage to their household effects. This will be staggered according to the number of people registered in the household, said NRW construction minister Ina Scharrenbach from the CDU. A one-person household is therefore entitled to 13,000 euros, multi-person households receive a higher lump sum. Aid of an additional 8500 euros is planned for the spouse or life partner, for each additional person registered in the household at the time of the flood there is an additional 3500 euros. However, this development aid is of secondary importance, emphasized Scharrenbach. Insurance benefits, donations and emergency aid for the same purpose would be deducted.
Private individuals affected by the flood disaster could initially apply for the construction aid without the necessary documents and then put together the necessary documents afterwards. This also included letters from insurance companies about benefits or the rejection of benefits by insurance companies. About every second household in North Rhine-Westphalia has no natural hazard insurance for house or apartment that covers damage caused by floods, said Scharrenbach. In these cases, the assessment by an expert is mandatory. For this purpose, the state government will provide the addresses of 4700 experts nationwide.
Hotline for questions about reconstruction
Applications for assistance can be made from Friday. A service hotline will answer questions from citizens and companies as early as Tuesday. The hotline will be available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 0211 / 4684-4994.