State offers energy help – millions of Germans could have heating costs reimbursed – but hardly anyone knows

The current situation is fatal, almost everything is becoming more expensive, especially energy prices. On the other hand, salaries cannot compensate for this, which is why more and more people are getting into financial difficulties.

The high heating costs in particular are now putting many working people in the uncomfortable situation that they need support beyond the energy flat rate. The consumer advice center shows all the possibilities.

What many people don’t know is that even if you work or have some money saved up, high energy prices can still entitle you to social benefits.

Be sure to apply: the state will step in if you have to pay additional heating costs

If you have difficulties paying your additional heating costs, you can apply in writing to the job center to ask for the costs to be covered. The social welfare office is the right contact for pensioners.

If possible, you should enclose the following with the application:

• Copies of your identity card and a confirmation of registration
• Copies of your health insurance card and social security card
• Copies of your rental agreement and a certificate from your landlord
• Copies of your service charge statement, annual consumption statement or fuel bill
• Copies of an employer certificate and bank statements for the last 3 months.

The consumer advice center points out that the application must be submitted as soon as you have received the bill. “If you are no longer able to work or are of retirement age, the application must be submitted to the social welfare office in the same month. If you are able to work, it must be submitted by the end of the 3rd month after the invoice is due. Otherwise you can lose your right to be taken over.”

Help with overpayments

You could also be entitled to additional social benefits if the energy payments on account are too high. In such a case, be sure to contact the job center (pensioners contact the social welfare office).

If your income is too high for citizen benefit (formerly: “unemployment benefit II”) or social assistance, you could at least be entitled to housing benefit. This must be submitted to the housing benefit office in the municipality.

Housing benefit calculator: The amount of the housing benefit is now determined online