Social law is an umbrella term for a variety of different legal areas and is therefore not contained in a single legal code but in many different legal frameworks. This is understandable, as social law must encompass a wide range of various life situations.

Unlike other legal areas, social law is one of the most contentious because decisions in social law often have existential impacts on the lives of affected individuals.

For this reason, social courts are among the busiest courts in Germany. This also applies to the Social Court in Cologne. The jurisdiction of the Cologne Social Court includes the independent cities of Bonn and Cologne, as well as the districts of Euskirchen, Rhein-Erft, Oberberg, Rheinisch-Berg, and Rhein-Sieg.

As a law firm based in Cologne, the firm is not only a point of contact for clients residing in the Cologne area but also for those in the surrounding districts.

If you are unable to cover the costs for our consultation and representation, we are, of course, also prepared to advise and represent you under the framework of legal aid or litigation aid.

Below are some key areas of focus in social law:

I. Basic Income Support for Job Seekers/SGB II/Citizen’s Income

Citizen’s Income consultation now represents the largest portion of the firm’s social law practice. The regulations, viewed by many affected individuals as extremely unjust, and the chronic understaffing of job centers make seeking a social law attorney unavoidable for many recipients of Citizen’s Income.

With the introduction of SGB II, the former unemployment assistance was abolished, and unemployment and social assistance were merged. However, the benefits provided under SGB II remain at the level of the previous social assistance.

The aid regulated under SGB II can include financial benefits for daily living expenses (the standard rate), rent, initial furnishing of an apartment, and various additional needs.

Under the principle of “promote and demand,” recipients are repeatedly invited by the job center, and failure to attend these appointments often leads to sanctions or threats of sanctions. Accepting or refusing job offers, as well as the application measures required of recipients, frequently become points of contention with the job center. Another point of dispute is the question of what income and assets a recipient must utilize before receiving benefits.

If you feel unfairly treated by the job center and want to assert your rights, whether out of court or through legal action or a preliminary injunction, contact attorney Helmer Tieben to discuss how to proceed in your case.

II. Basic Income Support in Old Age and in Cases of Reduced Earning Capacity/SGB XII

Another key area of the firm’s social law practice is advising on the regulations of SGB XII. SGB XII governs benefits for individuals who are not able to work and the basic income support for the elderly and individuals with reduced earning capacity. In short, benefits under SGB XII are provided to individuals who are at least 65 years old or at least 18 and fully incapacitated. As with SGB II, the grant of benefits by the provider depends on the income and assets of the individual.

SGB XII also regulates integration assistance for disabled people (§§ 53–60) and blind assistance (§ 72).

III. Health Insurance Law/SGB V

Attorney Helmer Tieben frequently advises and represents clients in matters concerning health insurance, whether it involves clarifying what portion the health insurance provider must cover or addressing cases of poor advice given by the health insurer.

The legal foundation of statutory health insurance is SGB V. Under SGB V, insured individuals are entitled to benefits for medical rehabilitation as well as income support and other supplementary services necessary to prevent, mitigate, or alleviate a disability or need for long-term care.

If you have problems with your health insurance and wish to assert your rights, feel free to contact attorney Helmer Tieben by phone or email for assistance.

IV. Long-term Care Insurance/SGB XI

Due to demographic changes, long-term care insurance is becoming increasingly important. The principles under which people in need of care, who require support due to the severity of their care needs, are entitled to solidarity-based assistance are governed by SGB XI.

Disputes often arise over the classification of care levels for individuals in need of care, which can lead to out-of-court or judicial disputes.

If you have issues with your long-term care insurance, contact attorney Helmer Tieben to work together on finding a solution.

V. Rehabilitation and Participation of Disabled Persons/SGB IX

Disability law is regulated under SGB IX and encompasses all legal regulations regarding the rehabilitation and participation of disabled individuals. Disability law is particularly relevant in employment law, especially when people with disabilities or those with equivalent status face dismissal.

If you feel disadvantaged due to your disability, or if you wish to be recognized as severely disabled or considered as such and are being denied this, contact attorney Helmer Tieben for assistance.

VI. Pension Law/SGB VI

SGB VI regulates the law of statutory pension insurance. Attorney Helmer Tieben is happy to advise you on any claims that may arise under SGB VI. A significant topic is early retirement, including pensions due to partial or full incapacity.

Partial incapacity pensions are regulated in § 43(1) SGB VI, and full incapacity pensions in § 43(2) SGB VI.

If your application for a pension due to partial or full incapacity has been rejected, or if you wish to file an appeal or take legal action, attorney Helmer Tieben is ready to represent you. Just give us a call.

VII. Additional Legal Areas

The aforementioned legal areas are not the only ones in which the firm offers services. Additional areas include statutory accident insurance under SGB VII.

If your issue is not covered by the areas discussed above but you believe it falls within the scope of social law, contact attorney Helmer Tieben to determine if he can assist you.

Contact Us

If you need social law advice, call us at 0221 – 80187670 or email us at info@mth-partner.de.