Like every year, many health insurance companies have increased their contribution rates. Therefore it is possible to change to more advantageous conditions. But how convenient is it to do so?

Many people have had other types of income and costs in 2020 and because of the special circumstances there are some changes regarding the tax return.

The Federal Minister of Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil (SPD), proposes that recipients of Arbeitslosengeld II (unemployment benefit II) should not have their income checked for the first two years.

However from the 1st October 2020 the suspension is applied only for insolvency caused by over-indebtedness.

The lockdown will last at least until the 14th of February and day-care centres will be closed except for emergency assistance (Notbetreuung).

Working mothers and fathers are entitled to time off from work if the conditions are met and can stay at home to care for a sick child.

Sick leave obtained over the phone, introduced in 2020 because of Covid-19, has been extended until March 2021.

With Covid-19 still around, nobody should leave home without a suitable protective mask.