Social affairs; information

Free information is provided by the providers of statutory health insurance and social long-term care insurance and, in Bavaria, as a matter within their own sphere of influence, also by the district offices and independent cities. The information extends to naming the responsible service providers as well as to all factual and legal questions that may be of importance to those seeking information and that the information centre is able to answer.

The insurance offices of the administrative districts and independent cities provide information on all social insurance matters.

In matters relating to statutory pension insurance, the pension insurance providers, their information and advice centres, their insurance advisors as well as the insurance offices of the districts and independent cities and the municipal administrations offer free information and individual advice.

For matters relating to social assistance and care for war victims, advice and information are provided by the relevant authorities (social assistance offices and war victims’ welfare offices at district offices and independent cities, districts, and the Bavarian Centre for Family and Social Affairs). They also provide advice on other social matters, provided this is not already covered by other bodies (primarily independent welfare organisations).

For matters relating to child and youth welfare, the youth welfare offices in the independent cities and districts are available to assist. For information and advice on pregnancy-related issues, see “Related Topics”. For further information on support services for families, see also “Related Topics”.

In all other social matters, information can also be obtained from the relevant authorities responsible for granting benefits. Citizens with a low income can obtain free or almost free legal advice on everyday legal matters from a lawyer or from the competent local court.

The Bavarian Family and Social Centre is also available to answer questions about the following services:

• Parental allowance
• Family holidays in family holiday centres

For information and counselling on AIDS, see "Related topics".