Freelancers can also apply for Bridging Aid III if they have been left empty-handed by the federal government’s previous aid measures. Since February 10, 2021, there are two options for financial support for the period from December 2020 to June 2021
who have been left empty-handed by the German government's previous aid measures. Photo: State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart (ABK)
Freelancers can also apply for Bridging Aid III if they have been left empty-handed by the federal government's previous aid measures. Photo: State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart (ABK)
On the one hand, this is the reimbursement of operating expenses if turnover has fallen by at least 30 percent. Alternatively, solo self-employed persons can apply for “restart aid”. The one-off lump sum for operating costs of up to €7,500 is granted if turnover from January to June 2021 – compared to the reference turnover in 2019 – has fallen by at least 60%. The prerequisite is that no operating costs have yet been reimbursed with itemized receipts. In addition, at least 51% of the income in the reference period must consist of self-employment.
A maximum of 25% of the previous year’s turnover is paid for the restart aid, but no more than €7,500, provided that turnover in 2019 was at least €30,000. Affected persons who started their self-employment after October 1, 2019 can choose either the average monthly turnover of January and February 2020 or that of the third quarter of 2020 as the reference monthly turnover. The restart aid can be applied for directly online via ELSTER, the portal for electronic tax returns.
The amounts for the specific operating cost aid are significantly higher than for the flat-rate restart aid. However, applying for it with the help of a tax advisor is also more complicated. Here too, turnover must have fallen by at least 30 percent. Anyone who has suffered a drop in turnover of more than 70 percent will even receive 90 percent of the eligible fixed costs. Eligible costs include rent, insurance, property taxes, subscriptions and depreciation of assets. Amounts can also be set aside for workrooms and necessary digitization of the business.