Investigation by the authority (Amtsermittlung)
The authority investigates the facts of its own motion and must take into account all circumstances significant for the individual case, including those favourable to you.
- Also called
- principle of official investigation, section 20 SGB X
The authority investigates the facts of its own motion. It determines the type and scope of the investigation and is not bound by the parties’ submissions and by requests for evidence. It must take into account all circumstances significant for the individual case, including those favourable to the parties. [1] That does not mean you do not have to contribute anything: good documents and statements help the authority to grasp the case correctly. The authority also may not refuse to accept an application that falls within its area of responsibility on the grounds that it considers it inadmissible or unfounded on the merits. [1] More: Applying and filing an objection.
Legal status: 08.10.2026. This is not legal advice; in an individual case, advice centres or specialist lawyers for social law can help.
Sources and literature
- § 20 SGB X – Untersuchungsgrundsatz. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_10/__20.html
In detail: Applying for benefits and filing an objection
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Applying for benefits and filing an objection
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