Applying for social compensation benefits as a relative, surviving dependant or close relative

As a relative, survivor or loved one of a person whose health has been damaged by certain events, you can receive rapid assistance (counseling and support services in a trauma outpatient clinic) as well as special psychotherapeutic services.

Surviving dependants can also receive benefits for participation in working life, compensation payments to surviving dependants, benefits for living expenses and benefits to support training.

Relatives are spouses, children and parents of the injured person. Close relatives include siblings and persons in a cohabiting relationship. Surviving dependants are widows and widowers, orphans, parents and dependants.

Coordination takes place with the relevant authority, which will inform you which benefits you may be eligible for.

Your social compensation provider will decide whether and to what extent you will receive support.

Requirements

• You are a relative, surviving dependant or close relative of a person who has suffered damage to health in Germany or, under certain conditions, abroad (§ 15 SGB XIV) as a result of an injurious event.
• They can prove the direct or substantial connection between the damaging event and the damage to health or death of the first injured party.
• As a family member, surviving dependant or close relative, you yourself are physically or emotionally affected by the health impairment suffered by the first victim.
• The application must be submitted to the competent institution at the place of residence.
  
  • Exception: In the case of vaccination injuries, responsibility is determined by the place of vaccination.

What documents do I need?

• Application under the new social compensation law