Urgent emergency? We are available now.
24/7 · German, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, English · Response within 4 hours
§74 SGB XII — Funeral costs
Section 74 of the Social Code Book XII (SGB XII) governs the assumption of funeral costs by the social welfare authority: "The necessary costs of a funeral shall be covered insofar as those obliged to arrange it cannot reasonably be expected to bear the costs."
Dieses Gesetz gilt grundsätzlich auch für internationale Überführungen. Wenn die bestattungspflichtigen Angehörigen nachweislich nicht in der Lage sind, die Kosten der Überführung zu tragen, kann das Sozialamt einspringen. Die Praxis variiert jedoch stark zwischen den Kommunen.
Requirements for cost coverage
Obligation to arrange the funeral
The applicant must be legally obliged to arrange the funeral — usually a spouse, children or parents. The precise order is governed by the burial law of the respective federal state.
Lack of means
The family members obliged to arrange the funeral must demonstrate that they cannot bear the costs. Assets, income and reasonable personal contributions are assessed.
Keine andere Deckung
Es darf keine Insurance existieren, die die Kosten übernimmt. Auch Nachlassvermögen des Verstorbenen wird berücksichtigt.
Necessary costs
The social welfare office only covers "necessary" costs — meaning an appropriate but simple funeral. Luxury services are not reimbursed.
How to submit the application to the social welfare office
The application should be submitted before instructing the funeral or repatriation company. In urgent cases, a retrospective application is possible, though the chances of success are lower. The application is submitted to the social welfare office of the deceased's last place of residence.
Required documents:
Sterbeurkunde
Original oder beglaubigte Kopie der Sterbeurkunde.
Proof of income
Bank statements for the last 3 months, income tax assessment, unemployment benefit notices of all family members obliged to arrange the funeral.
Cost estimate
Detailed cost estimate from the repatriation company. We prepare this free of charge and in compliance with social welfare office requirements.
Insurance documentation
Proof that no death benefit or travel insurance covers the costs. Rejection letter from the insurer, if available.
Social welfare office and international repatriation
Cost coverage for an international repatriation by the social welfare office is possible but not guaranteed. Many local authorities argue that a funeral in Germany is the "necessary" and less expensive option. Your chances increase if you can demonstrate:
Religiöse Gründe
Wenn die Religion des Verstorbenen eine Bestattung in der Heimat vorschreibt oder dringend empfiehlt (z.B. bei islamischer Bestattung).
Wille des Verstorbenen
Ein dokumentierter Wille (z.B. Vorsorgevertrag, Testament) kann die Notwendigkeit der Überführung belegen.
Cost comparison
If the repatriation is not significantly more expensive than a funeral in Germany, the chances increase considerably.
Court decisions
Several social courts have ruled that repatriation costs may also be "necessary". We are familiar with the relevant case law.
How much does the social welfare office cover?
The level of cost coverage varies considerably between local authorities. Guideline figures:
| Service | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Simple funeral in Germany | 1.500–4.000 € |
| Repatriation within Europe | 2,500–4,500 € (case-by-case decision) |
| Repatriation overseas | Rarely approved, max. 5,000 € |
We help you formulate the application optimally and compile all the required supporting evidence.
FAQ: Social Welfare Office & Repatriation Costs
When does the social welfare office cover repatriation costs?
When the family members obliged to arrange the funeral are demonstrably without means and no insurance covers the costs. Legal basis: §74 SGB XII.
How much is the cost coverage?
For funerals in Germany, 1,500 to 4,000 euros. For international repatriations, higher amounts are possible but on a case-by-case basis.
Must I submit the application before the funeral?
Ideally yes. Retrospective applications are possible but have lower chances of success.
What documents do I need?
Death certificate, proof of income, bank statements, cost estimate, insurance documentation. We assist with compiling everything.
Further guides
Repatriation costs 2026
All costs transparent — so you know what to apply for at the social welfare office.
Insurance comparison
First check whether an insurance covers the costs.
Plan ahead
With a pre-arrangement contract, you avoid family members having to rely on the social welfare office.