Sozialrechts

Sozialrecht, or social law, is a branch of public law that governs the social protection of individuals against life risks such as illness, unemployment, old age, disability, and poverty. It establishes the standards for social security systems, welfare benefits, and related services, and it regulates the procedures by which people access them. The domain exists in German-speaking countries and forms part of the broader public-law tradition.

In Germany, Sozialrecht is commonly divided into statutory social insurance and social assistance. The statutory insurances cover health, pension, unemployment, accident, and long-term care insurance, organized under the Social Codes (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB). The social‑assistance branch provides needs-based support for those who cannot support themselves, including provisions under SGB II and SGB XII, along with related child, housing, and other benefits. Across these areas, the law sets eligibility criteria, funding mechanisms, and entitlements.

Administration and dispute resolution are part of the framework. Entitlements are typically administered by public authorities; decisions may be appealed, and disputes are resolved by the Sozialgerichte (social courts). The system is funded through a mix of compulsory contributions, employer and employee premiums, and general taxation, reflecting principles of social solidarity.

EU law intersects with national Sozialrecht in areas such as cross-border health care, social security coordination, and equal treatment at work. Ongoing reforms address demographic change, cost control, and modernization of administration while preserving core protections.