Sign language in administrative proceedings; application for reimbursement of costs

Hearing-impaired people have the right to use German sign language in administrative proceedings.

They can apply for reimbursement of costs for the use of sign language interpreters in dealings with authorities or courts as well as for hearing- or speech-impaired parents of non-hearing- or speech-impaired children when communicating with day-care facilities and day-care centers and with schools.

The necessary expenses for sign language interpreters, sign language teachers and communication assistants will be reimbursed. Travel costs and other necessary expenses are reimbursed in full. If other communication aids are used, the authorities shall bear the expenses incurred insofar as they are necessary and reasonable.

The costs shall be reimbursed at the rates stipulated in the German Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG).

• You have a hearing or speech impairment.
• You have used sign language or other communication aids to exercise your rights in an administrative procedure or to communicate with the daycare facility, daycare center or school.
• The administrative procedure cannot be carried out in writing or you are unable to exercise your rights adequately in writing.
• You have provided the communication aids yourself.
• You have informed the authority of your choice of communication aids in good time. A subsequent change is only possible if there is an objective reason for this and the change does not lead to a considerable delay in the procedure.

If you provide the communication aid yourself, you can apply for reimbursement from the responsible district administrative authority.

If you wish, the reimbursement of expenses can be paid directly to the provider of the service.

• Proof of expenses
  (e.g. invoices)

none