Abstract
As part of the concerted efforts to cushion the consequences of the energy price crisis, the German government granted companies the option of making extra payments to their employees of up to €3,000 free of tax and social security contributions until the end of 2024. The measure was intended to support purchasing power while limiting second-round effects of inflation. The evaluation of survey data shows that the bonus has made a macroeconomically relevant contribution to stabilising household incomes and overall economic demand as well as preventing a wage-price spiral.