Behörde für Arbeit, Gesundheit, Soziales, Familie und Integration (Sozialbehörde)

The Authority for Labor, Health, Social Affairs, Family, and Integration – often referred to as the Social Authority – is one of the eleven specialized authorities of the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. It was newly established in 2011 and expanded in 2020 to include the health sector. With a budget volume of EUR 2.779 billion (2019), it is responsible for health policy and health promotion, social policy and social security, family, youth, and child support (supreme state youth authority and state youth office), as well as integration measures and labor market integration. Under the leadership of Senator Melanie Schlotzhauer, the authority is divided into five specialized departments: Central Services, Social Affairs, Family, Labor and Integration, and Health.

Our mission is to ensure equal opportunities, social participation, and healthcare for all people in Hamburg. We promote prevention and integration, support families, children, youth, and seniors, and shape inclusive social and health policies. In doing so, we work in partnership with civil society organizations, associations, and public institutions to develop effective and sustainable services.

The Social Authority addresses all residents of the Hanseatic City of Hamburg – in particular families, children, adolescents, seniors, and people with a migration background. It also targets social and educational organizations, associations, non-profit organizations, as well as municipal and independent service providers who require or implement counseling, funding, and support services in the areas of health, social affairs, family, and integration.