SED victims finally receive higher compensation – a milestone!

SED victims finally receive higher compensation – a milestone!

On July 1, 2025, a significant change in the law came into force, guaranteeing SED victims higher and more straightforward compensation. From now on, those affected by forced evacuation on the former inner-German border can count on financial support. Loud daily news Victims of these measures will receive a one-off payment of 7,500 euros, which represents a significant increase compared to the previous 1,500 euros. This change is seen by the SED victim representative Evelyn Zupke as “an impressive signal” on the 35th anniversary of German unity.

A nationwide hardship fund will also be set up to help those affected in particular emergencies. The reform of rehabilitation law, which was unanimously approved by the Bundestag on January 30, 2025, brings with it many improvements. Johannes Beleites, state representative for coming to terms with the GDR dictatorship, emphasizes that the means test for compensation is no longer necessary and that it will be easier to recognize damage to health in the future. This is a massive relief for many people who often did not know how to assert their claims for years.

Memories of forced deportation

The forced deportation, a dark chapter in GDR history, affected many families who had to suffer under the direct orders of the SED. As an example, Inge Jakobs tells of her own experience when her family was expelled from Böckwitz in 1952 as part of “Aktion Ungeziefer”. After their eviction, the family lived in various camps before finally arriving in Zicherie, Lower Saxony. “We could only take the essentials with us,” she remembers. Their experiences are honored by the Böckwitz Museum Association, which has been running a border nature trail since 1996.

The reform not only brings financial relief: the tracking time for compensation has been shortened to two years, making access easier for many applicants. Furthermore, Burkhard Bley, state representative for coming to terms with the SED dictatorship, states that the need for advice in the only professional advice center in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania remains unbroken and is likely to increase. In 2024, 657 affected people were advised and many new applications are expected.

A ray of hope in difficult times

The changes to the law are a ray of hope for the approximately 12,000 people affected by forced resettlement on the former inner-German border. Many of them only come to terms with their past and the role of their families in the GDR as they get older. These reforms could help people better deal with these memories and receive compensation that will hopefully give them back some of the life they have lost.

Overall, the new legislation not only brings financial help, but also recognition of the fate of those affected. This could have far-reaching positive effects on society and the way we view the history of the GDR. As Evelyn Zupke aptly put it: “It is an important signal that shows that the stories of these people have not been forgotten.” Further information about the new regulations can also be found at MDR and State representative.