Electricity costs are only covered in exceptional cases
The assistance for those in employment not only includes classic heating bills, but also the procurement of heating materials such as oil. Electricity costs are usually only covered if the property is also heated with electricity. However, if there is a threat of an electricity or gas cut, the state steps in here too, either in the form of grants or a loan.
Important: Submit the application in the current month
The application should definitely be made in the month for which the bill was written – otherwise, according to the consumer advice center, there is no entitlement to the heating surcharge. All documents required for the payment do not have to be submitted immediately with the application, you can also submit them later. “In order not to let time pass, it makes sense to initially submit the application informally. A sentence that makes it clear that you want to submit an application is sufficient,” quotes the Süddeutsche Zeitung Kolja Ofenhammer from the consumer advice center in North Rhine-Westphalia. The local job center is responsible for the heating cost surcharge for employed persons. Anyone who is already receiving state support can contact the previous clerk directly.
There is also support for invoices that have already been paid
The following documents must then be submitted later:
– a copy of the identity card
– a copy of the confirmation of registration
– a copy of the rental contract including a certificate from the landlord
– a copy of the employer’s certificate
– a copy of bank statements for the last three months
– a copy of the last utility bill or annual consumption bill or fuel bill
By the way: Subsequent application is also possible. It is therefore not a problem if the excessive bill has already been paid. Of course, it must still be proven that the subsidy is really needed.
Olga Rogler / Editor finanzen.net
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