Social Welfare Authority

Apply for social compensation

If you have suffered health damage as a result of certain events, you may be entitled to social compensation benefits. You may also receive these benefits as a relative, surviving dependent, or close friend of a person whose health has been damaged.

Detailed description

If you have suffered certain health problems, you may be eligible for support and financial compensation. Examples of harmful events include acts of violence or vaccine-related injuries.



The benefits are intended to help you compensate for any loss of income and cover the costs of medical treatments that you incur as a result of damage to your health.



You can also receive support as a relative, surviving relative, or close friend of someone directly affected by the injury. This might include services at a trauma clinic or other psychotherapeutic services. As a surviving relative, you may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, compensation payments, living expenses, and support for your education.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • They have suffered health damage.
  • The event that caused your injury took place in Germany.
  • The event, as well as its consequences for your health, has been officially recognized.

Or

  • You are a relative, close friend, or surviving relative of such a person.
    • Relatives are spouses, children, and parents of the injured person.
    • Close relatives include siblings and persons in a cohabiting relationship.
    • Surviving dependents are widows and widowers, orphans, parents, and those entitled to maintenance payments.

Documents required

  • Proof of the damaging event (for example, evidence of criminal proceedings or medical certificates)
  • Medical certificates regarding the consequences of the injury and the treatment history
  • Further medical documents (for example, hospital report, therapy report)

Please note

In exceptional individual cases, you may be able to receive certain benefits early, even if not all requirements have yet been met. To do so, you must submit an application for a preliminary decision and demonstrate a legitimate interest.



If you have obtained necessary treatment for the consequences of your injury yourself (for example, medication or medical treatment), you may be eligible for reimbursement. This is conditional upon...

  • the treatment took place after the injury, but before your application for social compensation or before the claim was recognized or
  • the service was urgently needed or was wrongly refused.

You will only be reimbursed after your claim for damages has been acknowledged.

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

Section 4 paragraphs 1 to 3 of the Social Code Book Fourteen (SGB XIV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_14/__4.html


Section 6 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Social Code Book Fourteen (SGB XIV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_14/__6.html

Address and contact information

Social Welfare Authority

ZfT 321
Social Compensation SGB XIV

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

Last updated: 04.10.2026