Financial aid for students - Bafög boost imminently
Students who receive Bafög can now expect to receive more financial assistance. On Wednesday, the government made a decision to offer what's known as "formula aid" to the parties in the German parliament, which is set to bring changes to the upcoming Bafög reform planned by the traffic light coalition. In addition, an increase in Bafög rates is also being planned.
The spokesperson for the education policy of the SPD faction, Oliver Kaczmarek, informed the German Press Agency of this news on Wednesday: "The agreement reached within the coalition by the SPD faction commands attention from everyone who relies on Bafög; they will not be abandoned in the face of rising costs. The danger of a zero round has been averted."
Bafög was last increased by 5.75% for the 2022/23 winter semester. It currently stands at a basic need allowance of 452 euros, plus a housing allowance for those no longer living with their parents, which amounts to 360 euros.
The traffic light coalition had planned to introduce the current Bafög reform in the Bundestag at the start of March. It focuses on a "study start allowance" of 1,000 euros for students from low-income families, allowing them to buy a laptop, textbooks, or finance their move to their place of study. The plan also includes raising the deductions on one's own income and parental income used in the Bafög calculation to increase the number of Bafög recipients.
Social organizations, unions, and the German Student Union have frequently urged officials to increase Bafög rates due to the rising costs of living. Moreover, it was also mentioned that the citizens' income had been raised as well.
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- The decision by the German government to provide formula aid to parliamentary parties is expected to result in further enhancements for Bafög financing, which is crucial for many students in Germany.
- The Federal Cabinet, as part of the traffic light coalition, had originally aimed to implement the Bafög reform in the Bundestag at the beginning of March, with a focus on boosting financial assistance for low-income students.
- The SPD faction within the Bundestag, who play a significant role in social affairs, has hailed the agreement reached within the coalition regarding Bafög as a positive development for students who rely on financial aid, especially in light of rising costs.
- In Bern, the SPD spokesperson for education policy, Oliver Kaczmarek, communicated to the German Press Agency that the agreement on Bafög guarantees that students will not be left behind and that the risk of insufficient support has been averted.
- The German Student Union, along with social organizations and unions, has consistently advocated for an increase in Bafög rates to address the escalating cost of living, and they were pleased to see the government respond positively to their pleas.
