What does this mean for me?
§ 44 SGB X is not a remedy for every authority decision. Its legal conditions must be met; an expired objection deadline is not a prerequisite. Retroactive benefits are generally limited to four years, calculated from the start of the application year. SGB II § 40 and SGB XII § 116a reduce the payment period to one year and separately limit withdrawal to four years after the end of the notification year.
A request does not guarantee correction or payment. For the separate four-year withdrawal limit under SGB II/XII, submitting the review request within that period is sufficient. Without a request, the payment period is calculated from the withdrawal year.
What can I do now?
1.1
Identify the decision and the specific factual or legal error you believe occurred.
2.2
Request review under section 44 SGB X in writing and include supporting evidence.
3.3
Ask the office to state how it calculated the review period and any payment period.
An example
Requesting review of a final decision
A person later finds records showing that income was counted twice. They ask for review and attach the records. The office must assess the request, but correction and any back payment depend on the law and facts.
Scope and support
General orientation in German social law, not individual legal advice or a guarantee. Check the decision, remedy instructions and special rules. The office or court decides each case. BAföG uses administrative courts; social-court rules do not automatically apply. A lawyer may charge fees; legal aid may be available subject to conditions.
Your rights in German social lawRequest for review under section 44 SGB XCourts, costs and legal aid