Bundesentschädigungsgesetz

Bundesentschädigungsgesetz (BEG) is the German federal law that provides compensation and recognition to victims of Nazi persecution. Enacted in 1956, the BEG established a framework for identifying, assessing, and delivering entitlements to those who suffered under the National Socialist regime and, in some cases, to their dependents. The statute covers a broad range of persecuted groups, including Jews and other racial or religious minorities, political opponents, Roma and Sinti, Jehovah’s Witnesses, concentration camp inmates, and forced laborers, as well as the spouses or descendants of those who were persecuted.

Benefits under the BEG include monetary compensation in various forms, such as one-time payments, ongoing pensions, and allowances, along with other support measures aimed at medical care, housing, and social integration. In certain circumstances, beneficiaries may also receive non-monetary acknowledgments or priority access to services. Eligibility generally extends to individuals who suffered persecution as defined by the law; in many cases, claims can be pursued by the victims themselves or by their legal successors. Nationality is not the sole criterion; residence and the nature of the persecution are also relevant factors.

Administration and procedure involve federal and state authorities that process applications through designated compensation offices. Decisions can, where appropriate, be reviewed administratively or challenged in court. The BEG has undergone amendments to broaden eligibility, adjust benefit levels, and strengthen alignment with human rights standards. It remains a central component of Germany’s efforts to provide redress for Nazi-era persecution and to recognize the suffering of survivors and their families.