New help for SED victims: more money and fewer hurdles from July!

New help for SED victims: more money and fewer hurdles from July!

From July 1, 2025, the SED dictatorship in the former GDR will benefit from improved support. This was made possible by the law to improve rehabilitation regulations that was passed in February 2025. The monthly sacrifice pension increases by 70 euros to 400 euros, a grant that is to be provided around 5,800 authorized persons via the State Office for Health and Social Affairs Berlin (LAGESO). Future adjustments are also planned: from 2026 the sacrificial pension will be dynamized and automatically adjusted to the current pension value, so [berlin.de] (https://www.berlin.de/lageso/service/pressemaytreubungen/2025/Pressemage division.1574203.php).

A significant innovation is that the needy test is no longer necessary. Applications can be submitted independently of income. This means an enormous relief for those affected, who are often in financial need. In addition, the criminal law rehabilitation law was expanded, which now enables a second application for rejected applications if the facts remain the same.

improved compensation performance

The social compensation benefits that were restricted for those affected by political persecution in their quality of life increases to 291 euros per month. Another positive news: These services are no longer shortened if those affected retire. Regular adaptation of these services is also planned from 2026. In addition, the minimum duration of the persecution is reduced from three to two years, whereby the persecution must have taken up by October 2, 1990.

In order to take into account the victims of compulsory exposure, a one -off payment of 7,500 euros will be provided in the future. People who suffered outside the GDR due to decomposition measures or political persecution receive a one -off 1,500 euros. Details on the new services and the application procedures are provided on the respective website, as The Greens in the Bundestag.

criticism and further developments

However, the reforms also met with criticism. Evelyn Zupke, the Federal Government's representative for the victims of the SED dictatorship, described the plans as inadequate and demands clearer measures. According to Zurpke, the draft law is “some good approaches”, but do not meet the necessary requirements to adequately support the victims. There is a lack of changes in the recognition of persecution -related health damage.

The introduction of a presumption of health problems associated with political persecution remains a central concern. A large number of experts see the fact that 60 percent of the mental illnesses previously imprisoned sees a clear connection with political detention in the GDR. This argument also supports personalities from various organizations who fight for the concerns of those affected, such as bundesag.de.

In addition, a nationwide hardship fund for SED victims is set up in order to provide targeted help. Ikea has already paid six million euros into these funds, and it is hoped for other companies that could also announce a participation. This fund could be a massive support for the victims who still lack a fair compensation.

In the upcoming legislative period, the processing of doping past is to be promoted in the GDR, including comprehensive recognition of the victims of dopes. Increased scientific research is required to further illuminate the events that have not yet been fully clarified and to adequately support the people concerned.