Home victim

Anyone who had to live in a home as a child before 1999 and was a victim of violence or abuse there can apply for a "home victim's pension". This amounts to 421.60 euros per month (value 2025). With this, the state wants to provide symbolic compensation - regardless of claims for damages, which are usually time-barred. It is also independent of any lump-sum compensation paid to victims by the homes or their successor organisations.

Anyone who has already received compensation from a victim protection organisation can receive the money. Those who have not can turn to the Ombudsman Board. The Pension Commission of the Ombudsman Board examines the application. To do so, you must provide credible evidence that you were a victim of abuse and violence in a children's or youth home, a boarding school, a hospital, psychiatric or sanatorium or a foster family. This applies to public institutions, but also to private institutions if you have been placed there by the youth welfare office. You receive the institutional care pension as soon as you have either retired or reached the standard retirement age. If you are unable to work as a result of the abuse, you receive the pension immediately.

The pension commission checks whether someone is entitled to the pension. The Ombudsman Board then makes a recommendation. The legal decision is finally made by the Pension Insurance (PVA) or the Social Ministry Service (SMS).

This information is very simplified. The specific legal rules are complicated. You can find them here.