Extraordinary support for families with children, an increase in the annual support for low-income pensioners, an expansion of income limits so that one monthly rent each year is returned to more people, the lifting of the seizure of debtors’ bank accounts and a new debt settlement in 72 installments are included in the €500 million package the government announced on Wednesday. At the same time, support measures for diesel and fertilizers are being extended.
At the end of June, without any application from families, they will be credited with €150 per child in their bank accounts. Therefore, for a single person with one child, the amount is €150 with a family income of up to €39,000. The income limit is increased by €5,000 for each child after the first. This measure accounts for almost half of the new package, as it amounts to €240 million.
The income limits for the rent subsidy are being expanded. For single people without children, the limit increases from €20,000 to €25,000. For married people, from €28,000 plus €4,000 per child, it rises to €35,000 with an increase of €5,000 per child.
The pensioner allowance increases from €250 to €300 net and is paid every November on a permanent basis. The income limit for singles rises from €14,000 to €25,000 and for married couples from €26,000 to €35,000.
The property limits increase from €200,000 to €300,000 for singles and from €300,000 to €400,000 for married couples.
The diesel subsidy of 20 cents per liter (16 cents plus VAT) is extended for May as well, while the fertilizer subsidy continues until August, covering 15% of the value of purchase invoices.
The government also announced a new arrangement in up to 72 monthly tranches for debts to the tax office and the social security funds, which will be activated in June. Debts incurred up to and including December 31, 2023, can be included in this arrangement. Those who want to join will have to repay new debts incurred from January 2024 to date.