Higher pension for 5,800 GDR prisoners: justice after years of injustice!

Higher pension for 5,800 GDR prisoners: justice after years of injustice!

From July 1, 2025, around 5,800 former prisoners of the GDR receive an increased monthly pension of 400 euros. This measure is part of a new federal law that was passed in February and has now also been confirmed by the Federal Council. The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lageso) in Berlin is responsible for the payment, whereby it is irrelevant where the applicants live. Nationwide, around 36,000 people are entitled to these compensation benefits, which are specially designed for politically persecuted SED regime in the GDR, reports rbb24

The pension increases by 70 euros, and a newly introduced dynamization will automatically be adjusted with general pension development. In addition, there is no need for the previous needs, which means that applications can now be submitted independently of income. This represents a significant step to improve the financial situation of the former prisoners and is seen as a progress in the reparation process.

reform in the reparation process

according to Tagesspiegel this reform represents a significant relief for the victims of the SED regime. The law also simplifies the compensation services The recognition of health consequences in SED victims and provides for the establishment of a hardship fund to provide support for further victims.

Another important point of the reform is the newly introduced second application law for people, the prior request of which was rejected for criminal rehabilitation. This gives those affected the opportunity to express compensation in cases that were not previously recognized. According to information from the Bundestag, the compensation for professionally persecuted ones will also be increased from 240 euros to 291 euros and will also be dynamic from 2026.

support for special hardship cases

In addition to increasing pensions, a one -time payment for victims of compulsory exposures is increased to 7,500 euros. Victims of decomposition measures outside the accession area can also expect a payment of 1,500 euros. This sees Bundesag.de Vor.

LAGESO President Alexander Straßmeir emphasizes that these reforms not only improve the financial situation of the politically persecuted, but also that public awareness of the injustice suffered is also strengthened. The competent authority has also expanded its communication channels to provide those affected to information about the application procedures and available services.