Social Welfare Office

Apply for social compensation - reimbursement of costs for interpreters, translation and communication aids

Do you require translation services in connection with your social compensation benefits? The costs incurred may be reimbursed to you.

Detailed description

If you are entitled to social compensation benefits and require an interpreter, translation or communication assistance for the application or receipt of approved benefits, the resulting costs can be reimbursed.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You are entitled to social compensation benefits.
  • You are habitually resident abroad or you have lived in Germany for less than 5 years and do not have sufficient knowledge of German.
  • There is no other option for free communication or translation (for example, family members or government employees).

Documents required

Evidence of incurred costs or cost estimates for translation, interpreting services or communication assistance

Please note

There are no special considerations.

Deadlines

There is no deadline.

Procedure

  • You contact the relevant authority and describe your request.
  • 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 12 of the Social Code, Book Fourteen (SGB XIV)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_14/__12.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