Social Welfare Office

Social compensation - applying for participation benefits

Do you have difficulties participating equally in society due to a recognized disability? Then you may be eligible for support in the form of participation benefits.

Detailed description

"Participation benefits" are part of social compensation. They support you in leading a life that is as self-determined as possible, actively participating in society, and making the best possible use of your personal abilities. If you are eligible, you may receive the following participation benefits:



Services for participation in education, such as

  • Assistance with school education, in particular within the framework of compulsory schooling and attendance at secondary schools, including preparation for this
  • Support for school or university education or further training for a profession

Services for social participation, such as

  • Provision of assistive devices such as wheelchairs or hearing aids
  • Special education services for children not enrolled in school
  • Services to promote understanding,
  • Services for the procurement, renovation, furnishing and maintenance of an apartment
  • Mobility services
  • Assisted Living
  • Care in a foster family
  • Special forms of housing / support services
  • Services for participation in working life, such as
  • Benefits to maintain or obtain employment
  • Assistance to promote employment
  • Benefits to employers
  • Vocational preparation, vocational adjustment, professional development, vocational training
  • Services related to the operation, maintenance, storage and parking of a motor vehicle

If you receive benefits for participation in working life, you may also receive further maintenance-securing and supplementary benefits.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have suffered health damage as a result of a harmful event.
  • The damage has been acknowledged.
  • The health impairment has resulted in physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments that restrict your equal participation in society.
  • Depending on the type of service required, further requirements may apply. The responsible authority will provide you with more detailed information.

Documents required

  • Proof of the damaging event or notification of recognition of social compensation
  • Medical evidence of the consequences of the damage
  • Proof of the restriction of equal participation in society

Please note

Surviving dependents of injured persons can also receive benefits for participation in working life under certain conditions, if the application is submitted within five years of the death of the injured person.



Assistance for school or university education can be provided multiple times if this is necessary due to injury-related reasons.

Deadlines

There is no deadline.

Procedure

  • You contact the relevant authority and explain your request. If necessary, you can seek individual advice from the relevant authority.
  • You submit your application to the relevant authority and attach the necessary documents.
  • The relevant authority will review your claim.
  • The responsible authority will decide on your application and inform you of the decision in writing.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case and usually takes several weeks.

Fees

The application process is free of charge.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Sections 63-66 of the Social Code, Book Fourteen (SGB XIV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_14/__63.html

Address and contact information

Social Welfare Office

ZfT 323
Participation, Medical Treatment, Provision of Assistive Devices SGB XIV

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Keywords: War damage pension war victims Federal Supply Act Victim compensation Civil Service Act

Last updated: 05.10.2026