The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs have approved an extension of the Corona aid programmes into 2022. The objective remains to support companies and solo self-employed persons who continue to be affected by the Corona pandemic. In the run-up to Christmas, particular attention will be paid to showmen, market traders and private event organisers affected by the cancellation of Advent and Christmas markets.
Bridging Aid IV (Überbrückungshilfe IV)
The current Bridging Aid III Plus (Überbrückungshilfe III Plus) will be replaced by Bridging Aid IV in the coming year, covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2022. In essence, Bridging Aid IV remains almost identical to Bridging Aid III Plus. The requirements for funding and the funding levels remain the same:
- up to 90% of eligible fixed costs in the case of revenue losses exceeding 70%
- up to 60% of eligible fixed costs in the case of revenue losses between 50% and 70%
- up to 40% of eligible fixed costs in the case of revenue losses exceeding 30%
The eligible costs likewise differ only marginally from those under Bridging Aid III Plus. Only modernisation and renovation costs will no longer constitute an eligible cost item going forward. The applicable fixed costs can be found in the following document under the heading "Förderungsfähige Kosten" (https://www.bmwi.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/E/eckpunkte-ueberbrueckungshilfe.pdf?__blob=publicationFile).
Support through Equity Subsidy
In addition, companies are to continue to be supported with an equity subsidy if they are particularly severely affected by the Corona pandemic. The two options for the equity subsidy are:
- Corona-related average revenue losses of 50 percent in December 2021 and January 2022 → surcharge of up to 30 percent on the fixed cost reimbursement
- Showmen, market traders and private organisers of cancelled Advent and Christmas markets with a revenue decline of at least 50 percent in December 2021 → surcharge of 50 percent on the fixed cost reimbursement
Restart Aid in 2022
In addition to Bridging Aid III Plus, Restart Aid Plus (Neustarthilfe Plus) has also been extended until the end of March 2022. The funding level remains at €1,500 per month or €4,500 over the entire extended funding period.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What period does Überbrückungshilfe IV cover?
Überbrückungshilfe IV (Bridging Aid IV) succeeds Überbrückungshilfe III Plus and covers the funding period from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2022. It is aimed at companies and solo self-employed individuals who continue to be affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
What is the level of fixed-cost funding under Überbrückungshilfe IV?
For revenue losses of more than 70%, up to 90% of eligible fixed costs are reimbursed. For losses between 50% and 70%, up to 60% are reimbursed, and for losses of more than 30%, up to 40%. This tiered structure is identical to Überbrückungshilfe III Plus.
Which costs are no longer eligible under Bridging Assistance IV (Überbrückungshilfe IV)?
Compared to Bridging Assistance III Plus, modernization and renovation costs are no longer eligible cost items under Bridging Assistance IV. The remaining eligible fixed cost categories remain largely unchanged.
Who receives the equity grant and in what amount?
Businesses with an average Corona-related revenue decline of at least 50% in December 2021 and January 2022 receive a supplement of up to 30% on top of the fixed-cost reimbursement. Showpeople, market vendors and private operators of cancelled Advent and Christmas markets with a revenue decline of at least 50% in December 2021 receive a supplement of 50%.
How much is the Neustarthilfe Plus in the extended 2022 period?
The Neustarthilfe Plus has been extended through the end of March 2022. The funding amount remains unchanged at EUR 1,500 per month, or a maximum of EUR 4,500 for the entire extended funding period.