Government Relaunches Appliance Repair Subsidy for Households

The federal government is reinstating its appliance repair subsidy program, allowing households to receive financial support for repairing various electrical and electronic devices. Starting Monday, the initiative aims to encourage the maintenance and reuse of domestic appliances, supporting both environmental sustainability and household budgets.

Under the renewed scheme, consumers can have household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, and power tools repaired at a reduced cost. Additionally, the program now extends financial assistance for repairing essential healthcare devices, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, ventilators, and blood pressure monitors. The goal is to facilitate the continued use of these crucial items, reducing electronic waste and supporting individuals who rely on such equipment for daily living.

The subsidy covers 50 percent of the total repair cost, with a maximum limit of 130 euros per repair. For those seeking a cost estimate before proceeding, the program also offers up to 30 euros toward obtaining a quote. This financial support is available through a network of approximately 1,500 authorized repair companies, ensuring broad access for consumers across the country.

To apply for the subsidy, individuals must register digitally through the official program website. The process requires entering personal information and banking details, after which a voucher is issued via email. This voucher can be presented in digital or printed form at any participating repair business. The voucher is valid for three weeks from the date of issue, and a comprehensive list of partner companies is available on the program's website, searchable by location to help users find nearby service providers.

The government has allocated 30 million euros annually to fund the repair subsidy program from 2026 through 2028. This financial commitment reflects an ongoing effort to promote repair culture and resource conservation nationwide. By making repairs more affordable, the initiative is expected to extend the lifespan of household and healthcare devices, decrease unnecessary disposal, and foster local repair businesses.

It is noteworthy that the revised subsidy program no longer includes support for the repair of bicycles (including e-bikes), mobile phones, or luxury, wellness, and entertainment devices. These categories were previously eligible under the former repair bonus scheme but have been excluded from the current initiative to focus resources on essential household and medical appliances.

The appliance repair subsidy is part of a broader environmental policy agenda aimed at reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainable consumption patterns. By incentivizing repairs over replacement, the government seeks to address pressing ecological concerns while providing practical financial benefits to citizens.

Households interested in taking advantage of the subsidy are encouraged to visit the official program website for further information on eligibility, participating businesses, and the application process. The relaunch of the repair subsidy underscores the government's commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and supporting the everyday needs of its population.