Social Welfare Authority

Equalization Office General Information

If you need information related to war-related burdens, you can contact the Compensation Office.

Detailed description

The Equalization Office is an authority established in Germany after World War II to regulate certain financial payments within the framework of the so-called equalization of burdens. The equalization offices were particularly active from the 1950s to the 1990s. The tasks of an equalization office were:

  • Compensation for persons who have suffered financial losses due to war, displacement or expropriation (e.g. displaced persons, bomb victims, refugees).
  • Determination of asset losses:
  • Payment of compensation in the form of pensions, lump sums or loans

Today, most of the tasks of the equalization offices have been completed or integrated into other administrative areas. You can obtain information about the activities of the equalization offices.

 

Information

Prerequisites

There are no legal obstacles (e.g. data protection) to your request for information.

Documents required

identity card



You may be required to submit additional documents. The responsible authority will inform you accordingly.

Please note

Until 1982, the equalization offices in Hamburg were located decentrally in the district offices

Deadlines

No

Procedure

  • Please contact the responsible department with your request.
  • The responsible authority will examine your request.
  • If the test is successful, you will receive the information you require.

Processing time

Processing usually takes several weeks.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

Equalization of Burdens Act (LAG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/lag/BJNR004460952.html

Address and contact information

Social Welfare Authority

ZfT 421
Office and Internal Service of the Social Welfare Office

Office hours by arrangement with the responsible team

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Keywords: Benefits according to the Load Equalization Act (LAG) Reclaiming benefits under the LAG Expropriation, land Expropriation, lands Compensation due to expropriation Certificate of expropriation

Last updated: 14.05.2026