Sozialgesetzbuch

The Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) is the codified framework of German social law, establishing the rights and obligations of individuals, providers, and authorities within the social security system. It consolidates numerous statutes into a single code and is regularly updated by federal legislation. The SGB governs social insurance programs, social assistance, and the administrative procedures that link beneficiaries, service providers, and the agencies responsible for administration and funding.

The SGB consists of twelve books, designated SGB I through SGB XII: SGB I General provisions; SGB II Basic income support for job seekers; SGB III Employment promotion; SGB IV General provisions for social security; SGB V Statutory health insurance; SGB VI Pension; SGB VII Statutory accident insurance; SGB VIII Child and Youth Welfare; SGB IX Rehabilitation and participation of disabled persons; SGB X Social law (data protection and social security matters); SGB XI Long-term care insurance; SGB XII Social assistance.

The code defines eligibility, benefits, and procedures for the various social security systems, and it specifies how these programs are financed and administered. Administrative responsibilities are distributed among federal and state authorities, social insurers, and welfare agencies, each applying the rules set out in the books.

History and scope: The SGB was created to systematize and unify social policy in Germany and is subject to ongoing amendments to respond to demographic and economic changes. It remains the central legal reference for social protection, health, pensions, unemployment, care, and related public welfare programs in the country.