Social compensation
Digital Application Assistant
Step 1
Digital Application Assistant: Find the relevant authority & submit an application
Use our wizard to find the right authority in just a few steps and submit your application straight away.
Please start by entering your place of residence so that we can show you the relevant information, application forms, your relevant authority and the applicable data protection regulations. We will then ask you four short questions to help us find the right authority for you.
In which town or parish do you live?
Information on the application process
Enter your zip code. Based on your location, we will check whether an online application is possible.
Fill out the online application. You can complete the online form from the comfort of your own home. Evidence can simply be photographed and uploaded.
Send the application digitally. Check beforehand that you have provided all the necessary information and evidence correctly.
Wait for the processing time. If there are any queries or new information about your application, the responsible office will contact you.
Notes on submitting applications from abroad
Note on data storage
If you log in with your service account, you can cache your application and continue at a later time. Please note, however, that the information you fill in will only be cached for 24 hours. After the 24 hours have expired, you will have to start the application again from the beginning.
Privacy policy
How your personal data is processed can be found in the privacy policy for social compensation.
You can apply for benefits directly at your local office. If you enter a city or zip code under this link, we will determine the responsible office and you will receive a link to the corresponding partner portal.
The most important facts in brief
You can apply for social compensation benefits if you have been the victim of an act of violence, have been injured in military or civilian service or have suffered damage to your health as a result of a vaccination. The benefits depend on the extent and severity of the damage to health and its consequences, as well as the respective needs.
Do I have a claim?
Injured parties, relatives/survivors or close relatives of injured parties can apply for social compensation benefits.
The basic requirement is that the group of people
- are victims of acts of violence, including acts of terrorism,
- victims of the effects of both world wars,
- victim of civilian service,
- victim of state injustice in the GDR or
- victim of vaccination
Required documents
The documents required vary from case to case and depend on which of the above-mentioned groups of people you belong to or which benefits you are applying for.
In principle, documents and proof of the respective injury (the act of violence, the vaccination, the civilian service injury, etc.) and the health consequences (medical documents) are required first.
Your competent office will inform you which documents are specifically required. However, you can also submit your application immediately and submit any required documents later.
Deadlines for applying for social compensation
There are no deadlines for applying for social compensation.
Benefits are generally only granted from the date of application. Under certain circumstances, victims of violent crimes can be granted benefits retroactively if the application is submitted within one year. Applications can also be made for events that occurred a long time ago.
That's how long it takes
The processing time for an application varies depending on the individual case. Your responsible office will endeavor to inform you as quickly as possible.
Note: If you apply for social compensation for treatment in a trauma outpatient clinic (rapid response), you will receive a decision within a few weeks.
These costs arise
Applying for social compensation benefits is free of charge for you.
