Citizens are still groaning under the energy prices.
Anyone who needs support can receive a one-off payment of 500 euros from the state to pay for heating costs.
Berlin – Citizens’ income replaced Hartz IV in January 2023.
Since then, the higher basic income standard rate of 502 euros has applied to single people.
In view of the energy crisis, not only the unemployed have access to this money: those who are currently unable to pay their heating costs can receive a one-off citizen benefit.
500 euros for high heating costs: Requirements for the application
In order to receive support from the state, the same requirements must first be met as for citizen income in general.
However, they only have to be fulfilled for the month for which you want to receive the citizen's allowance.
The requirements are:
In principle, recipients of benefits must be able to work
Beneficiaries must be in need
Beneficiaries must provide information about the assets
Residence must be in Germany
An application must be made
When applying for the citizen's allowance, the financial situation of the people with whom the applicant lives together (e.g. partner, parents, adult children) is always automatically checked.
For support in the event of high heating costs, an invoice must be submitted that the applicant can prove that he or she cannot pay.
This does not necessarily have to be an additional payment for heating costs.
An order for heating oil, for example, would also be eligible for approval.
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Those who cannot pay their heating costs in 2023 can receive a one-off citizen benefit.
© IMAGO/Anke Bingel
Apply for citizen's income: How do you get the 500 euros for high heating costs?
The application must be submitted to the job center.
This is also possible on the website of the job center.
In addition, the application for the 500 euros does not necessarily have to be made in the month in which the invoice is due.
"However, you must submit the application by the end of the third month after the due month at the latest," according to the employment agency.
The regulation is limited until December 31, 2023.
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List of rubrics: © IMAGO/Anke Bingel
