Sign language in administrative proceedings; application for reimbursement of costs

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

You can apply for reimbursement of costs for the use of sign language interpreters when dealing with authorities or courts and for hearing- or speech-impaired parents of children who are not hearing- or speech-impaired when communicating with day-care facilities and day-care centers and with schools.

The necessary expenses for sign language interpreters, sign language lecturers 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 are reimbursed at the rates of the German Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG).

You will receive support and reimbursement of costs from the respective departments as part of their duties.

• You have a hearing or speech impairment.
• You have used sign language or other communication aids to exercise your own rights in an administrative procedure or to communicate with the day care center, day care center or school.
• The administrative procedure cannot be carried out in writing or you cannot sufficiently exercise your rights by making a written statement.
• You have provided the communication aids yourself.
• You have informed the authority about the 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.

none

• Bavarian Ordinance on the Use of German Sign Language and Other Communication Aids in Administrative Procedures and in Communication with Schools (Bavarian Communication Aids Ordinance - BayKHV)
• Bavarian Act on Equality, Integration and Participation of People with Disabilities (Bavarian Disability Equality Act - BayBGG)
• Disability Equality Act (Behindertengleichstellungsgesetz-BGG)
• Act on the Remuneration of Experts, Interpreters, Translators and the Compensation of Honorary Judges, Honorary Judges, Witnesses and Third Parties (Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act - JVEG)

You can lodge an appeal against the cost assessment.

(Optional) appeal procedure

• Bavarian Institute for the Deaf
• Bavarian disability policy - Regulations

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

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