Volunteers in Saxony will continue to receive a monthly allowance of 40 euros this year. Eleven million euros per year have been earmarked for this in the current double budget, the Saxon Ministry of Social Affairs announced. Previously, only partial lump sums had been paid to the affected organizations and associations, meaning that volunteers only received 19 euros per month.
"A further partial lump sum will now be granted so that the total lump sum reaches the level of previous years," a spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Affairs told the German Press Agency. According to media reports, the alleged reduction in the volunteer allowance had caused fierce criticism at the food banks in Plauen in the Vogtland district, for example.
Volunteers who work at least 20 hours a month and are resident in Saxony receive the allowance. In 2024, this involved almost 29,000 people in around 5,700 projects, for example in children's and youth work, culture and sport, and the preservation of local history and customs, according to the ministry.
Citizens can continue to receive support "despite the tight budget situation", explained Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD). Volunteering creates connection and cohesion.
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