Changes in Germany July 2024. Life in Germany. In July 2024, Germany introduces updates affecting social benefits, limits on seizure exemptions, and cable TV changes. Here’s what you need to know.
Changes in Germany July 2024: Increased pensions
Pensioners in Germany will see an increase in their pensions starting July 2024. The legal pension will rise by 4.57 percent, boosting the monthly amount from 37.60 euros to 39.32 euros. For instance, if your current pension is 1,000 euros, it will increase to 1,045.70 euros in July. Widows will also benefit from higher income allowances alongside contribution increases. Disability pensioners can expect staggered increases, as outlined by the social association VdK:
- If you first received the disability pension between January 1, 2001, and June 30, 2014, you will receive a supplement of 7.5 percent.
- If you first received your disability pension between July 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, you will receive an additional 4.5 percent.
Start of summer holidays in the following federal states
People traveling by car should get ready for more traffic on the roads. More federal states will start their school holidays in July. These states are:
- Baden-Württemberg: July 25 – September 7
- Bavaria: July 29 – September 9
- Berlin: July 18 – August 30
- Brandenburg: July 18 – August 31
- Hamburg: July 18 – August 28
- Hesse: 15 July – 23 August
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 22 July – 31 August
- North Rhine-Westphalia: 8 July – 20 August
- Rhineland-Palatinate: July 15 – August 23
- Saarland: July 15 – August 23
- Schleswig-Holstein: 22 July – 31 August
Cable TV will no longer be included in additional costs
If you’ve already considered how you’ll access the July 2024 TV schedule and live in a rented apartment, you’ve likely paid a flat rate for cable TV as part of your extra expenses. As of July 1, 2024, this will no longer be possible, as legally mandated since December 1, 2021, and now the transition period for implementation is ending. This means you’ll need to choose how you want to receive television: via cable, antenna, satellite, or Internet.
Read also: Kindergeld in Germany: Will Child Benefit Rise in 2024? Find out here!
Mandatory black box for Newly registered vehicles
According to the 24auto portal, this device functions primarily as an “Event Data Recorder” (EDR), similar to a flight recorder, used for reconstructing accidents rather than continuously monitoring driving behavior. Alongside the black box, other mandatory systems starting next month include the ISA system and reversing camera among others.
New seizure exemption limits
Starting July 1, the seizure exemption limits in Germany will increase. These limits ensure that indebted employees, whose wages are garnished, can cover essential living costs. Currently set at 1,402.28 euros per month, the exemption will rise to 1,491.75 euros, as reported by the health insurance company TK.
Read also: Financial support for parents: Get up to 195 euros per child with the new educational allowance
New lids for disposable bottles and milk cartons
Starting from July 3, new lids will be mandatory for single-use beverage packaging with plastic components and a volume of less than three liters, as per an EU directive. These “tied lids” are closures that are securely attached to the package and cannot be removed. As a consumer, you can simply leave the lid on the packaging and dispose of everything together in the yellow bag or bin, according to Merkur.de.
Increased pay for Bundestag members
Starting July 1, Bundestag members will receive a 6% increase in their allowances. This means their monthly salary will go up by EUR 635.50, bringing it to a total of EUR 11,227.20.
Legalization of Cannabis Clubs
Germany has legalized the possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal use starting April 1, 2024, marking a significant shift in drug policy. Another notable development is the introduction of “cannabis clubs,” set to begin operations on July 1. These clubs in Germany differ somewhat from the popular coffee shops seen in the Netherlands, drawing inspiration from models in countries like Spain.
The primary objective of German cannabis clubs is to counteract the illegal marijuana trade by offering access to a safe and lawful source of the product. Operated as associations, these clubs are prohibited from conducting commercial activities. Any revenues generated are allocated to cover operational expenses such as logistics, rent, and insurance.