SED-Opfer-Entschädigung (Opferrente, Kapitalentschädigung)

The "Third Act on the Improvement of Rehabilitation Law Provisions for Victims of Political Persecution in the Former GDR", which came into force on 29.08.2007, provides for a victim's pension of up to 300 euros for former political prisoners of the SED dictatorship. This provision was supplemented and improved by the Fourth and Fifth Acts, which came into force on December 3, 2010 and December 22, 2014 respectively.

• Certificate according to the Prisoner Assistance Act (HHG), which was applied for before 04.11.1992
• Certificate of good conduct in accordance with the Federal Central Criminal Register Act (BZRG) - For presentation to an authority - so-called certificate of good conduct from an authority

Former political prisoners of the GDR can receive a victim's pension if

1. they were deprived of their liberty for a total of at least 180 days in violation of the rule of law,
2. no prison sentence of at least three years has been imposed on them for an intentional criminal offense,
3. they are particularly disadvantaged in their economic situation and
4. there are no grounds for exclusion (violation of the principles of humanity or the rule of law, serious abuse of their position for their own benefit or to the detriment of others, significant support for the former system in the accession area).

Pensioners and people in economic need are eligible. Pensions due to old age, reduced earning capacity, accidents at work or occupational illness as well as death or comparable benefits are not taken into account when assessing economic need. The income of the spouse/life partner is also not taken into account. Surviving dependants of former political prisoners arenot entitled to this pension.

Economic need is deemed to exist

1. for single beneficiaries, three times the so-called "basic standard rate" (currently EUR 1,197)
2. four times the basic standard rate (currently EUR 1,596) in the case of beneficiaries who are married or in a civil partnership or living in a marriage-like or civil partnership-like relationship.

The basic standard rate is EUR 399 (as of January 01, 2015).

Further information and application forms can be found on the website of the Supervisory and Service Directorate.

Benefits are generally granted from the date of application.

Please contact the Supervisory and Service Directorate.