The imminent transformation is set for October.
BAföG Amounts to Rise by 5%
The current BAföG reform will boost grant amounts by 5%, upping them to 475 euros. The housing cost allowance for students studying abroad will also increase, from 360 to 380 euros, with a corresponding hike planned for students studying abroad. The maximum funding amount will increase from 934 to 992 euros, a 6.2% rise.
Furthermore, allowances from the income of parents and the recipient's spouse or partner will rise by a total of 5.25%. Similarly, allowances for loan repayment will also increase by a total of 5.25%.
"M+S" Winter Tires Prohibited from October onward
The period for winter tires labeled "M+S" ends on September 30. "M+S" stands for mud and snow. Winter tires manufactured before 2018 with only an "M+S" label will have grandfather protection until the end of the month. Those using these tires beyond October may face fines.
Microsoft Discontinues Support for Windows 21H2 and 22H2
The final security updates for Windows 11 version 21H2 for Enterprise and Education editions, as well as version 22H2 for Home and Pro, will be available until October 8. After that, no more security updates will be provided, but the system can still be used. Devices running these versions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates starting from October, which protect against the latest security threats.
Driving Theory Exam Questions Updated
From next month, the driving theory exam questions will be revised. A total of 57 new or updated questions will be added across all classes, with a pass rate of over 30% over the past few years.
Autumn Holidays Commence in Several Federal States
Millions of students are near their first holidays of the new academic year. The first federal states to start their autumn holidays are Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt, on September 30.
Overview
- Baden-Württemberg: October 28-31
- Bavaria: October 28-31
- Berlin: October 21-November 2
- Brandenburg: October 21-November 2
- Bremen: October 19-November 1
- Hamburg: October 21-November 1
- Hesse: October 14-25
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: October 21-26
- Lower Saxony: October 4-19
- North Rhine-Westphalia: October 14-26
- Rhineland-Palatinate: October 14-25
- Saarland: October 14-25
- Saxony: October 2-14
- Saxony-Anhalt: September 30-October 12
- Schleswig-Holstein: October 21-November 1
- Thuringia: September 30-October 12
Holidays in October
The Day of German Unity on October 3 falls on a Thursday and is a national holiday. In Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia, Reformation Day on October 31 is a holiday.
Garden Maintenance
Garden enthusiasts who wish to drastically prune hedges, shrubs, and trees may do so once more from October 1st. From March 1st to September 30th, this is prohibited by federal nature conservation law, with only "gentle formative and maintenance pruning" allowed during this period. This regulation aims to protect the habitats of birds and other animals.
Hydraulic Balancing in Heating Systems
New regulations under the Building Energy Act (GEG) take effect this month, making hydraulic balancing of heating systems by a certified professional mandatory. All new heating systems using water as a heat carrier in multi-family buildings with at least six apartments must now be tested. This aims to improve heat distribution in heating systems, reducing energy waste and lowering heating costs.
RSV Prophylaxis Costs Covered
Newborns and infants can now receive medication with corresponding antibodies to protect against severe respiratory infections caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Since September 14th, statutory health insurers have been covering the costs of this prophylaxis, aiming to prevent RSV-related hospital stays and deaths.
Payback Pay Available in Online Shops
From this month, Payback users can use the Payback Pay payment function in selected online shops, allowing them to redeem collected points while shopping online. Initially, this will be available at dm, Rewe, and Thalia, with Media Markt and Amazon to follow. Previously, this function was only available for in-store purchases.
Amazon Prime Day 2024
The Amazon Prime Day 2024, titled "Amazon Prime Deal Days," will take place on October 8th and 9th. During this shopping event, consumers can find thousands of top deals with significant discounts across various categories.
Oktoberfest Continues
The Oktoberfest in Munich will continue until October 6th, providing a few more days for large groups to enjoy the festivities.
Timely Care Assessments via Video Call
Since September 26th, care assessments via video call have been possible. The Medical Service can now assess care recipients more promptly, which is crucial as care services cannot be provided without an assessment. The Medical Service's guidelines determine when video assessments are possible, based on the law for accelerating the digitization of the healthcare system, which has been in effect since March.
Sure thing, bud! Even though the EU is almost phasing it out, we've got to switch our clocks once more this autumn. On the night of October 26th, making its way into October 27th, we're pushing that hour hand back, turning 3:00 into 2:00.
In relation to the student government's financial reviews, the increase in private credit can significantly influence a student's ability to secure loans for their educational expenses. Additionally, the private credit sector might need to adjust its lending criteria to accommodate the increased demand due to the boost in BAföG grants.
