I'm a simple emigrant and I received €5000

Because times are hard, the German government decided to “hand out to everyone 5 thousand euros.” Well, of course not; it’s just that news becomes sensational this way and is easier to spread, especially for us, whose discontent with the Russian government almost always just accumulates. But let's understand things and debunk the myths. First, the amount is not 5000, but up to 9000 or up to 15000. A great start for destroying legends, right? In general, it all depends on the number of employees in the company: up to 5 — the chance to receive up to 9 thousand, more than 5, respectively, up to 15 000. And now the truth: the money is laid out far from to everyone; ordinary people aren’t paid, and companies that previously had little income — either. There must be clear evidence that incomes have indeed fallen (or disappeared completely) and specifically because of the pandemic, while expenses remained. Third, the conditions for receiving are very unclear. Some conditions are described simply by some phrases, from which you can’t tell at a glance how well you meet them. From here follow the fourth and fifth. Fourth: these funds cannot be spent on everything. When this program was only for Berlin — in the rules for freelancers you could spend it, including on personal needs. Now — the list of possible expenditures is limited. It should be related to the business, but there is a glimmer of light (again only for freelancers) — if there is an item for paying yourself a salary, then after wiring out this amount — you can spend it any way you like, like any salary of any person. Fifth, and most importantly, in my view: there is a possibility that you will have to return this money. On the official site it literally says “all these rules were invented too quickly, there is no legislation for them. We also admit that we may be mistaken in deciding to grant you financial assistance, therefore you may have to return the money” (loose paraphrase). Moreover, due to panic and hustle, they say they might come to this after several months. And as we remember, the conditions aren’t exactly transparent... you should think five more times before deciding to request this help. If this isn’t crystal clear yet — I’m not entitled to apply for such a thing in principle, and it’s good that there’s no need. Morality: comrades, don’t forget to critically relate to any information, especially when it’s spread so fiercely. And this article as it happens writes about how people have already voluntarily started returning this money “to be on the safe side.” #Ordnung