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Old notice wrong? A review application can still help

You missed the objection deadline but suspect that a social benefits notice was wrong? Not everything is lost: with a review application you can have final notices reviewed once more, and claim benefits retroactively if applicable.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Apply for a review

Your chances of getting your money back

If the law was applied incorrectly or a wrong set of facts was assumed in a social benefits notice (for example job center/citizen's benefit, pension, care), you can file a review application even after the objection deadline has passed (§ 44 SGB X).
If the notice turns out to be unlawful, benefits wrongly withheld are paid retroactively, for social benefits as a rule for up to one year (longer in certain cases). You can file the application informally.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the notice

    Which notice could be unlawful, and why (wrong calculation, overlooked claims)?

  2. 2

    2. File the application

    File an (informal) review application under § 44 SGB X with the authority.

  3. 3

    3. Give reasons

    Explain why the notice is wrong and attach evidence.

  4. 4

    4. Object if refused

    If the authority refuses, you can file an objection against that decision.

Frequently asked questions

Can I still have an old social benefits notice changed?

Yes, through a review application under § 44 SGB X, even if the objection deadline has long passed. The condition is that the law was applied incorrectly or a wrong set of facts was assumed in the notice. You can file the application informally with the responsible authority (for example the job center, pension insurance).

Do I get money retroactively?

If the notice was unlawful and benefits were withheld from you, yes. For social benefits they are as a rule paid retroactively for up to one year (in certain cases also longer). If the authority refuses your review application, you can file an objection against that refusal.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.