Social support for families/relatives of soldiers

[K.Kocjancic]

Can anyone point me to some sources/articles/books regarding Third Reich's social support policy for serving military personnel's families and/or relatives (Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS, and other paramilitary organizations)? Like housing, additional financial support, larger food rations, etc?

Regards,
Klemen

[GregSingh]

Elizabeth D. Heineman, What Difference Does a Husband Make? Women and Marital Status in Nazi and Postwar Germany. Chapters 2-3 would be of interest. Fragment from this book explaining terminology and legal basis:

Familienunterstützung was created in 1936; its name was changed to Familienunterhalt in June 1940; (Gesetz über die Unterstützung der Angehörigen der einberufenen Wehrpflichtigen und Arbeitsdienstpflichtigen vom 30.März 1936 (RGBl I 327-34). Both terms translate literally to "family support." Family allowances were based on civilian income and sent directly to families, while "war pay" (Kriegsbesoldung) was based on military rank and paid to the man. Since families of men of low rank did better with allowances, this was the more popular program for married servicemen. "Kriegsbesoldung oder Familienunterhalt?" Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, 17 June 1944

There was also additional support for families who moved to live in occupied territories and for families of local Germans (Volksdeutsche) who were drafted or volunteered to Waffen-SS. That was mostly regulated by law issued by local authorities. You find all details in local Government Gazette (Verordnungsblatt). Check online libraries for these.

[K.Kocjancic]

Elizabeth D. Heineman, What Difference Does a Husband Make? Women and Marital Status in Nazi and Postwar Germany. Chapters 2-3 would be of interest. Fragment from this book explaining terminology and legal basis:

Familienunterstützung was created in 1936; its name was changed to Familienunterhalt in June 1940; (Gesetz über die Unterstützung der Angehörigen der einberufenen Wehrpflichtigen und Arbeitsdienstpflichtigen vom 30.März 1936 (RGBl I 327-34). Both terms translate literally to "family support." Family allowances were based on civilian income and sent directly to families, while "war pay" (Kriegsbesoldung) was based on military rank and paid to the man. Since families of men of low rank did better with allowances, this was the more popular program for married servicemen. "Kriegsbesoldung oder Familienunterhalt?" Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, 17 June 1944

There was also additional support for families who moved to live in occupied territories and for families of local Germans (Volksdeutsche) who were drafted or volunteered to Waffen-SS. That was mostly regulated by law issued by local authorities. You find all details in local Government Gazette (Verordnungsblatt). Check online libraries for these.

Thank you very much for your reply!

Regards,
Klemen