Social Security

According to the data from the German Federal Statistical Office, there are about two million people in Germany who are unable to heat their flat or house adequately due to financial constraints. This corresponds to 2.5 percent of the population. The data was already collected in 2019.

The alternative social network Parler has reopened after a month offline. In a press release, the company announced that the site is now accessible for users with existing accounts and will accept new signups starting next week.

Parler also said it had appointed Mark Meckler as its interim Chief Executive, replacing John Matze who was fired by the board this month.

The social network had gone dark after being cut off by Amazon, Google, and Apple, with the companies accusing the app of failing to police violent content related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Parler said its new technology cut its reliance on "so-called Big Tech" for its operations.

Judge William G. Young has ruled that the United States federal government "discriminates" Puerto Ricans by denying Supplemental Security Income and is unconstitutional. Nine plaintiffs had appealed to the courts.

The judge has granted the federal government a two-month administrative timeframe in which the ruling only applies to the nine plaintiffs and legal experts expect the government to appeal the ruling and probably take it to the highest instance, the United States Supreme Court.

According to a spokesperson the Spanish cabinet has approved a national minimum income of 462€ for citizens that earn below this threshold. People between 21 and 65 that earn below the minimum will receive money from the government to ensure that they get at least the minimum amount every month. For families the amount can increase up to 1,015€.

In order to allow migrants and asylum seekers, that are currently living in Portugal, access to the public services of the country during the coronavirus pandemic, the government has announced to treat them as residents. Being treated as such they can use social security services such as healthcare or welfare, but also open bank accounts, close rental contracts and work. The only requirement is an ongoing request for residency.