As of: February 29, 2024, 11:59 a.m
By: Sophia Lother
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A lot will change again for consumers in March.
Some things become more expensive, but some also get money for free.
All innovations at a glance.
Kassel - In March it was finally done: the record winter, which was significantly too warm and too wet in many places, is coming to an end.
Spring not only brings rising temperatures, but also some changes for consumers.
Innovations in gas and district heating are imminent, the clocks will be changed back to summer time and some can look forward to 100 euros from the state.
There are also changes coming for pensioners.
What will change for consumers in March 2024?
(Symbolic photo) © Chris Emil Janssen/Imago
Time change to daylight saving time: When the clocks change one hour in March
Spring time is also always time change.
In March the clocks in Germany will be set forward one hour again.
This year's time change falls not only on the last weekend in March, but also on the last day of the month.
Daylight saving time begins again on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 2 a.m.
Even if the clocks are only set forward one hour, the time change has nerve-wracking effects on many consumers in Germany.
According to a survey, 25 percent of Germans complained about complaints such as physical problems caused by the change.
But there are tips on what can be done about it:
Avoid heavy meals and coffee before bed
Regular exercise, especially in the fresh air
Stick to routines and adapt to the new time
Use daylight to adjust your internal clock
Prepare for the change a few days in advance and adjust your own schedule
Innovations in March 2024: Will gas and district heating become significantly more expensive for consumers?
The sales tax on gas deliveries and district heating should actually be increased again to 19 percent at the beginning of March 2024.
It was reduced to seven percent in October last year.
Consumers could face significantly higher costs.
But the exact timing of the increase is now again unclear.
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Because of the dispute over the Growth Opportunities Act, which envisages this tax increase at the end of February, this could be delayed again.
The increase could then only reach consumers at the end of March.
According to calculations by the comparison portal Verivox, a delayed increase in VAT would bring a relief of 20 euros for a family with an average consumption of 20,000 kilowatt hours, reports the
dpa
.
Changes for retirees in March 2024: This is new
From March 2024, health insurance contributions will increase for many pensioners.
This reduces the monthly pension payment for those affected.
Although the additional contributions of many health insurance companies were increased in the summer, the increase only affects pensioners two months later.
“The reason for this are legal requirements that apply to both reductions and increases for pensioners,” says the German Pension Insurance Association in Berlin.
The Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil, is also expected to announce the new values for the 2024 pension increase by the end of March.
From March 2024, the state will give away 100 euros: these people can be happy
But not only will things become more expensive for consumers.
Because some will even receive money from the state as a gift from March 1, 2024.
Those who celebrate their 18th birthday in 2024 will have the culture pass activated with a budget of 100 euros.
To do this, however, those affected must download a special app.