Social Compensation

Social compensation benefits are governed by the Federal War Victims' Relief Act, which was originally established for war victims and their survivors from the Second World War.

Under certain circumstances, individuals who suffer health damage may be entitled to social compensation.

Since then, the Federal War Victims' Relief Act has also applied to other groups of people who have claims under specific ancillary laws. We will examine whether you are also entitled to social compensation.
What is social compensation?

In Germany, social compensation refers to the right of individuals who suffer health damage, for which society bears a special responsibility, to receive support within the framework of social compensation.

These include, but are not limited to:

Those injured during military service,
Victims of violent crimes,
Those injured during civil service,
Victims of state injustice in the GDR, individuals harmed by vaccinations, and their respective survivors.

What is the potential amount of social compensation benefits?

The amount of benefits is determined by the extent and severity of the damage and its consequences, as well as the individual's specific needs. These benefits comprise several individual services, which can include both monetary payments and in-kind provisions.

These include, but are not limited to:

Disability and survivor's pensions,
Care allowance and compensation for occupational damage,
as well as funeral grants,
as well as benefits for medical treatment and medical rehabilitation.

The aforementioned benefits are supplemented by war victim welfare in cases of special need.

The legal situation is complex.

The legal framework surrounding social law in Germany, which aims to provide social security for all citizens, is indeed complex. Numerous legal provisions across various laws, coupled with constant changes, make it nearly impossible for non-experts to navigate. The rising number of objections and lawsuits against official decisions due to rejected benefits further indicates that this is a complex area of German law, often associated with many uncertainties.

If you feel uncertain when applying for benefits you are entitled to, whether in disability law, war victim and violence victim compensation, or compensation for acts of violence: consider engaging a lawyer experienced in social law.

Are you entitled to social benefits but they are being denied?

Have you applied for social compensation or welfare benefits and not received a decision?
Has your application for social compensation or welfare benefits been rejected?
Have you received a decision from the pension office with a disability rating that is too low?
Have you not been recognized as severely disabled?
Has the pension office not granted you a special disability indicator?
Have you filed an objection against an unfavorable decision, and has your objection been dismissed?

How We Can Assist You.

Process and Support

Initial consultation including discussion of further steps to be taken with the relevant authority.
In-depth consultation after determining individually set objectives.
Filing an Objection
Filing a Lawsuit before the Social Court
If applicable, filing an action for failure to act if the authority fails to make a decision.

Goals and Prospects of Success

Enforcement of legal and economic interests.
Issuance of an approval notice.

Time Commitment and Duration of Proceedings

Consultations are available at any time and on short notice.
Detailed consultation, also in the form of a written expert opinion, available within a few business days after submission of the necessary information.
Social welfare authorities generally have six months to decide on initial applications and three months for objections.
Otherwise, the duration of court proceedings before the Social Court is largely determined by the courts and often extends over several months.

Costs and Fees

An initial consultation for consumers is available for a maximum of Euro 190.00 plus statutory value-added tax.
Further, including written, consultation and representation depending on the scope, complexity, and significance for the client.
For court representation, billing is based on the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG) or a flat fee agreement, with an early assessment of the anticipated cost risk.
Legal protection insurance policies typically cover the costs of court proceedings.
In cases of financial hardship, it is possible to apply for legal aid.