The German federal government has indicated that it does not rule out allowing employers to issue a tax- and contribution-free relief bonus of up to 1,000 euros to their employees. According to a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Finance speaking to the dpa news agency on Wednesday, the proposed legislation is modeled after the inflation compensation bonus. The original inflation bonus could be paid out from late 2022 until the end of 2024, whereas for the new crisis bonus, only the current year has been specified as a timeframe.
The spokesperson acknowledged that the inflation compensation bonus was planned for a longer period. “I don’t want to quote the Strucksche Law right now, but it is naturally the start of a legislative consultation” he added. He noted that the duration might be subject to further discussion during the parliamentary process, and this topic will also be discussed with social partners. “This is something that is also very important to the Federal Minister of Finance”.
The spokesperson explained that the government’s basic approach, stemming from last weekend’s decision, was to implement “immediate measures” that could show quick impact. He characterized the crisis bonus as a measure through which employers and companies can demonstrate responsibility and support their employees, particularly during this crisis. He stressed that this is voluntary and not mandatory.
Meanwhile, it remains undecided whether the federal government, acting as an employer itself, will issue the bonus. A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, which oversees the civil service, stated that this must be clarified within the federal government and the coalition. Whether the federal ministers themselves will receive the bonus is also pending. Vice government spokesman Sebastian Hille told the dpa news agency that he currently “knows nothing” on the matter and therefore could not comment.