Schwerbehindertenausweis — Application, GdB and Benefits

What does "schwerbehindert" mean?

In Germany, people are considered schwerbehindert if their Grad der Behinderung (GdB) is at least 50 (§ 2 SGB IX). The GdB is determined in increments of 10 from 20 to 100.

A disability exists when physical, mental or psychological functions persist for longer than 6 months deviating from the state typical for the person's age and restrict participation in social life.

Who can apply?

Anyone living in Germany — regardless of nationality. Foreign nationals with residence permits, temporary suspension of deportation or provisional permission can also apply for a Schwerbehindertenausweis.

Grad der Behinderung (GdB) — Examples

Important: With multiple disabilities, GdB values are not simply added together; instead, an overall assessment is made (total GdB).

How do I apply for the certificate?

Step 1 — Submit application

Submit your application to the Versorgungsamt (depending on the state, also called: Amt für soziale Angelegenheiten, Landesamt für Gesundheit):

• Online — possible in many states (e.g., ELSA online application)
• In writing — form available on the Versorgungsamt website
• In person — at the office or through advisory services

Step 2 — Submit documents

• Medical reports — from all treating physicians
• Hospital reports
• Rehabilitation reports
• Medication plan
• Psychological evaluations if applicable

Tip: The more documents you submit, the faster and more accurate the processing. Otherwise, the office will obtain reports itself — this takes longer.

Step 3 — Determination of GdB

• The Versorgungsamt reviews your documents (possibly its own assessment)
• Processing time: 1–6 months (depending on the state and workload)
• You receive a decision notice with the GdB

Step 4 — Receive the certificate

Starting from GdB 50, you receive the Schwerbehindertenausweis:

• Credit card format, free of charge
• Valid for 5 years (in some cases indefinitely)
• Contains the GdB and possibly special designations

Special Designations — Additional Benefits

Nachteilsausgleiche — Your Benefits

At the workplace

• 5 days additional leave per year (for 5-day week)
• Special dismissal protection — requires consent from integration office
• Exemption from overtime — upon request, no obligation for extra hours
• Preferred employment in civil service (with equal qualifications)

Taxes

Mobility

• Free/reduced public transport — with designations G, aG, Gl, Bl (ticket worth €91/year or free with social welfare/citizen benefit)
• Disabled parking space — with designations aG or Bl
• Vehicle tax reduction — 50% with G/Gl, 100% with H/Bl/aG

Other benefits

• Broadcast fee reduction — with designation RF: €6.12/month instead of €18.36
• Telephone social tariff — reduced rates from some providers
• Reduced admission — to museums, swimming pools, events
• Early retirement — from GdB 50: pension 2 years earlier (with reductions) or 5 years earlier under grandfathering rules

Gleichstellung (GdB 30–40)

With a GdB of 30 or 40, you can request equalization if you cannot find suitable employment due to your disability or risk losing your job.

Benefits of equalization:

• Special dismissal protection (as with GdB 50)
• Subsidies for the employer through the integration office
• NOT: additional leave, tax allowance, free public transport

Apply to the Agentur für Arbeit.

Appeals and lawsuits

If the determined GdB is too low:

1. Appeal — within 4 weeks of receiving the decision
2. Lawsuit before the Social Court — within 4 weeks after appeal decision
3. Free of charge — proceedings before Social Court are fee-free
4. Advice: VdK (social association), SoVD, disability advisory services

Tip: Get advice when filing an appeal — VdK and SoVD help members for free.

Tips for foreigners

1. Know your rights — you have a right regardless of nationality
2. Bring medical reports — also from your home country (translation recommended)
3. Use advisory services — migration counseling, Caritas, Diakonie help with applications
4. No negative impact on residence status — a Schwerbehindertenausweis has no negative impact on your residence status
5. Use the tax benefit — claim the allowance in your tax return

As of: March 2026. All information without guarantee.