BAföG in 2022

The year 2022, like the previous year, was dominated by the pandemic and its impact on the higher education sector. Particular attention was paid to the regulations and developments surrounding this BAföG.

Study period and funding period
In the context of the pandemic, the winter semester 2021/2022, like all previous semesters, was not included in the standard period of study. Due to the change in §126a BerlHG, many students were able to extend their study and funding periods in the last 24 months. Despite the peak in follow-up applications in 2020, we noticed a decline in 2021, which continued in 2022 as many students completed their training.

Application situation
Although the number of follow-up applications fell, we saw an increase in initial applications in 2022. Whether this increase is directly due to the amendment to the law BAföG in autumn 2022 cannot yet be conclusively assessed.

Amendment to the law BAföG 2022
The most important changes in the amendment to the law are: BAföG included:

• increasing the BAföGrates by 5,75%.
• Increase in parental allowances by 20,75%.
• Raising the age limit for new students from 30 to 45 years.
• Adjustment of the asset allowances to €15.000 (under 30 years) and €45.000 (over 30 years).
• Expanded surcharges for rent, health and nursing care insurance as well as higher surcharges for child care.

Digital application
The portal already introduced in 2021 "BAföG digital" enabled students to submit applications digitally. However, technical problems occurred several times in 2022, which led to interruptions in the online functionality. Incoming documents continued to be processed on paper. Unfortunately, the introduction of a complete e-file is not scheduled until 2024 Prospect provided.

Heating subsidy for BAföG-Recipients
The heating subsidy for BAföG-recipients was successfully implemented in September. The payment was processed directly via the state main treasury, from which a total of 18.009 funding cases benefited.

Outlook
2022 was marked by significant changes BAföG-Law and the digitalization of the application process. Despite technical challenges, we are confident and strive to continually improve our service for students. For the coming year, we are planning to resume personal consultation hours, which will be coordinated using an appointment scheduling tool.