Important legal changes and dates that characterize January. Here is an overview of what you should definitely know from January 2025.
• Minimum wage will be increased
• The electronic patient record (ePA) will be introduced in selected regions from January
• Germany ticket becomes more expensive
Minimum wage and mini-jobs: Earn more from January
From January 1, 2025, the minimum wage will rise from 12.41 euros to 12.81 euros gross per hour. This will improve the income situation of many employees. There is also an adjustment for mini-jobbers: the earning limit increases from 538 euros to 556 euros per month. Calculated over the year that is 6,672 euros.
Nursing care insurance: higher contributions
At the turn of the year, nursing care insurance contributions increase. The contribution rate increases by 0.2 percentage points to 3.6 percent of gross income. In the future, those without children will pay 4.2 percent, while families with children will pay less depending on the number – up to a minimum contribution of 2.6 percent for families with five or more children. This is intended to ensure the financial stability of long-term care insurance.
Dynamic prices for households with smart meters
Another novelty is the obligation of electricity providers to offer dynamic tariffs for households with intelligent measuring systems (smart meters) from January. These tariffs are based on the electricity exchange prices, which fluctuate hourly. This could be attractive for households with high and flexibly controllable consumption, such as when using an electric car or a heat pump. However, consumer advice centers warn of the risks of fluctuating electricity prices, especially for households with little scope to shift their consumption.
Electronic patient records and amalgam ban
The introduction of the electronic patient record (ePA) will start in four model regions (Hamburg, Franconia and parts of North Rhine-Westphalia) from January 15th. The pilot phase lasts four to six weeks before the ePA is introduced across Germany. The ePA offers the possibility of storing medical documents such as doctor’s letters and findings centrally. ePrescriptions and medication plans can also be viewed there.
In addition, from January 2025, dentists will no longer be allowed to use amalgam for new dental fillings. Instead, even adhesive materials made of plastic are used without additional payment. However, existing amalgam fillings can still remain in the mouth.
More expensive Germany ticket
Although the Deutschlandticket remains an attractive option for commuters, it is becoming more expensive. From January it costs 58 euros instead of 49 euros per month. Consumers should check whether the ticket is still profitable given their driving habits. It can be canceled monthly and resubscribed later if necessary.
Editorial team finanzen.net