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Deserted Kennedyplatz in Essen
Photo: Rupert Oberhäuser / imago images / Rupert Oberhäuser
The federal government is expanding its financial aid for companies and the self-employed who have been affected by the corona crisis.
At least 15 billion euros are planned for aid in December - the grants are intended primarily for businesses in the gastronomy or cultural sectors.
Due to the extension of the shutdown, these have to close until shortly before Christmas.
At the same time, the bridging allowances, originally limited to the end of the year, will be extended until the end of June 2021.
These are grants, especially for small and medium-sized companies that have experienced a sharp drop in sales during the corona crisis.
There is also more money: Instead of the previous maximum of 50,000 euros per month, the new maximum funding amount for "Bridging Aid III" is now 200,000 euros, as the AFP news agency reports.
The German government also announced that it would give more help to companies that have not yet had access to November or December aid.
The current bridging aid should now also be given to companies that have suffered a drop in sales of at least 40 percent compared to the respective month of the previous year.
The threshold is generally higher for bridging aids.
A November aid had already been launched for those affected.
These grants can be applied for since Wednesday.
Federal Minister of Economics Peter Altmaier reported strong demand and so far 28,000 applications.
The first installments should be made quickly.
This is an advance on later payments without a more in-depth examination.
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bah / dpa / AFP
