© dpa
The hardship fund planned by the Senate in light of the high energy costs is to be available at the beginning of the year.
This was announced by Social Affairs Senator Katja Kipping (Left Party) on Tuesday after the Senate meeting at which the decision was made. The hardship fund is to have a volume of 20 million euros and is intended for Berlin households threatened by energy cut-offs due to the unexpected spikes in energy prices following the Russian attack on Ukraine. No one should be left out in the cold or in the dark in Berlin, said Kipping. The social administration wants to set up the fund at the beginning of next year.
Kipping pointed out that social assistance was already available for people who feared they would not be able to pay their gas or electricity bills. Households who find that they are getting into payment difficulties due to increased energy costs should immediately go to the job centre (Jobcenter) or social welfare office, she recommended. In the month in which the costs are incurred, assistance is also possible for people who have not received social benefits so far. A digital application procedure is planned, Kipping announced. The examination procedure will not be taken over by the social welfare offices, but a service provider will be commissioned.