Social Welfare Authority
Applying for compensation benefits for victims of state injustice in the former GDR

If you suffered health damage in the former GDR due to an unjust administrative decision, you may be eligible for compensation for injuries. You can find more information here.

Detailed description

Many citizens of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) were politically persecuted, discriminated against, and harassed by the authorities of the GDR or the Soviet occupation zone. Some of those affected suffered health problems from which they still suffer today.

Such health damage can include, for example:

chronic pain resulting from unlawful police operations or
Long-term psychological damage caused by the surveillance and harassment by the State Security Service (Stasi).

If this applies to you, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Disability benefits include the following:

Healing and treatment of the sick
Pensions
Benefits to compensate for occupational damage,
Welfare services, such as
supplementary assistance for living expenses,
Assistance to continue running the household,
Services for participation in working life,
Elderly care,
Care assistance,
Housing assistance
Recreational aid.

Information

Important notes

Prerequisites

They were rehabilitated for a decision made by a German authority in the territory of the former GDR between May 8, 1945 and October 2, 1990, or it was determined that this decision was unlawful.
The administrative decision has caused you harm to your health.
At that time, you yourself did not violate the principles of humanity or the rule of law, nor did you seriously abuse your position for your own benefit or to the detriment of others.

Documents required

Copy of birth certificate
Copy of the registration certificate
If available, the certificate from the rehabilitation authority stating that the administrative decision has been overturned or its illegality under the rule of law has been established, or, if such a certificate is not available, details of the administrative decision in question and the reasons why it should be overturned or is illegal under the rule of law.
If applicable, documents relating to the administrative decision in question, for example letters, notices, judgments
If applicable, medical documents, for example examination findings, discharge reports, medical records, X-rays

Please note

You are excluded from compensation for victims of violence if you have previously violated the principles of humanity or the rule of law, or if you have seriously abused your position for your own benefit or to the detriment of others. This is the case, for example, if you voluntarily acted as an informer or spy for the Ministry for State Security (MfS/Stasi) to gain personal advantages.

Deadlines

There is no deadline.

Procedure & Fees

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 is free.

Legal notes

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 1 of the Administrative Rehabilitation Act (VwRehaG)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vwrehag/__1.html

Section 3 of the Administrative Rehabilitation Act (VwRehaG)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vwrehag/__3.html

Section 9 paragraph 1 Federal Supply Act (BVG)

https://www.buzer.de/gesetz/443/al80352-0.htm

Section 142 paragraph 1 sentence 1 of the Fourteenth Book of the Social Code (SGB XIV)

https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_14/__142.html

Address and contact information