Severe disability: Everything you need to know at a glance
A person is considered severely disabled if they have a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 50. The aim is to grant those affected special rights and compensation for disadvantages in order to enable them to participate equally in social life. In this article, you will learn how severe disability is defined by law, how the GdB is determined, what rights are associated with it, and how you can apply for a severe disability card.
Subject matter expert: Christin Pagel, Inclusion Officer, pme Familienservice
Read more in this article:
- What is a severe disability?
- What are the legal foundations for severe disability?
- What is regulated in the Social Security Code (SGB IX)?
- What is the Medical Care Regulation (VersMedV)?
- How is the degree of disability (GdB) determined?
- What are special symbols and why are they important?
- What rights do people with (severe) disabilities have?
- How can you apply for equal treatment for people with severe disabilities?
- How do I apply for a determination of severe disability?
- Everyday life and challenges faced by people with severe disabilities
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions about severe disability
- Further information and sources
What is a severe disability?
A severe disability is defined as a physical, mental, or psychological impairment with a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 50. The GdB is assigned in increments of ten from 20 to 100—the higher the number, the more severe the impairment.
Purpose of classification
People with significant disabilities receive special legal protection measures and compensation for disadvantages so that they can participate equally in social, professional, and community life and discrimination is avoided.
How many people in Germany are severely disabled?
At the end of 2023, around 7.9 million people with severe disabilities were living in Germany. This corresponds to 9.3 percent of the German population. Almost 91 percent of severe disabilities were caused by illness.
Source: Destatis 2024
What are the legal foundations for severe disability?
What is regulated in the Social Security Code (SGB IX)?
Social Code Book IX (SGB IX) regulates the rights of people with disabilities in Germany and defines severe disability. It describes who is considered severely disabled and what support those affected receive.
What is the Medical Care Regulation (VersMedV)?
The VersMedV specifies the medical criteria used to determine the degree of disability (GdB). It assesses individual functional areas such as sensory organs, movement, and mental health.
How is the degree of disability (GdB) determined?
The determination is made by pension offices or rehabilitation agencies upon application. Functional impairments that last longer than six months and restrict participation are assessed. Medical reports and findings are required for this. A GdB of at least 50 means recognition as severely disabled.
What are special symbols and why are they important?
In addition to the GdB, special symbols can be assigned to indicate particular limitations or needs, e.g.:
- G: mobility impaired
- aG: severely mobility impaired
- B: Accompanying person required
- H: helpless
- RF: Exemption from broadcasting fees
These indicators form the basis for special compensation for disadvantages.
What rights do people with (severe) disabilities have?
People with severe disabilities are entitled to, among other things:
- Protection against dismissal and special protection periods in employment relationships
- Additional leave and special working time arrangements
- Tax breaks (possible from a disability rating of 20%)
- Entitlement to a severely disabled person's pass (from GdB 50)
- Concessions for using public transportation (from GdB 50)
- Entitlement to integration assistance and special support measures
- Protection against discrimination and the right to accessibility
If your disability rating is 50 or higher, you are entitled to five additional days of vacation per year.
How can you apply for equal treatment for people with severe disabilities?
People with a GdB of at least 30 (but less than 50) can apply to the employment agency for equal treatment . This grants selected rights in the workplace, similar to those of severely disabled people, e.g.:
- Protection against dismissal
- Financial assistance for an adapted workplace
- Support from integration offices
How do I apply for a determination of severe disability?
The application for determination of severe disability must be submitted to the competent pension authority (usually the pension office).
- Attach all medical reports and findings that prove the functional impairments to the application.
- Submit your application as early as possible and make sure it is as complete as possible, as processing can take weeks or even months.
- Application forms, which are available from the pension offices or online, are helpful.
- Important: Upon approval, the GdB is granted retroactively from the date of application.
Applying for a severely disabled person's pass
It may be helpful to include a personal cover letter with your application and medical documents, in which you describe your impairments in your professional, social, and private life in detail.
Christin Pagel, Inclusion Officer, pme Familienservice
What to do in case of rejection or low GdB?
If your application is rejected or the degree of disability is set lower than expected, you can lodge an appeal . Please note:
- Submit your objection in writing within one month to the authority that issued the decision.
- Attach any new or additional medical evidence to the appeal that could have a positive impact on the assessment.
- If the appeal is rejected, it is possible to take legal action before the social court.
It is definitely advisable to apply for severe disability status. Don't be discouraged if the initial decision does not meet your expectations; instead, file an appeal.
Christin Pagel, Inclusion Officer, pme Familienservice
Severe disability card: temporary or permanent?
The severely disabled person's pass is usually issued for a limited period (e.g., 1-5 years) and, under certain conditions, for an unlimited period.
- The severely disabled person's pass is temporary if the state of health may change (e.g., in the case of illnesses with possible improvement or deterioration).
- In the case of permanent disabilities, the card is usually issued for an indefinite period.
- The expiration date and period of validity are noted on the ID card.
Everyday life and challenges faced by people with severe disabilities
Accessibility in public spaces and transportation
Accessibility is key to ensuring equal participation for people with severe disabilities. Public buildings, transportation, streets, and public spaces must be designed to be accessible to everyone—for example, with ramps, tactile guidance systems, accessible restrooms, and clearly legible information.
At the beginning of August 2025, the VdK commissioned the polling institute Civey to survey 1,000 people with permanent physical disabilities about the state of accessibility in Germany and the areas of life with the most barriers. Over 40% see the biggest hurdles in the area of mobility, e.g., lack of elevators, illegible timetables, or non-accessible ticket machines. Leisure (just under 30%) and work (17.4%) are also often not inclusive. In general, the majority of respondents (63%) feel poorly represented by politicians when it comes to their accessibility concerns.
Working life: opportunities, rights, and support
Employers are obliged to employ severely disabled people (severe disability quota) and to provide them with suitable jobs. There are a wide range of support services available, such as workplace integration management (BEM), which also provides assistance with the application process for severe disability, integration offices/integration services, and technical and financial assistance.
Education and social participation
Access to education and training should be barrier-free and inclusive for people with severe disabilities. Special support measures, compensation for disadvantages, and assistance from integration assistants should ensure equal opportunities.
Leisure activities and social activities should be accessible to people with severe disabilities. Accessible sports facilities, cultural offerings, and meeting places promote social integration and quality of life.
Psychosocial aspects and support options
People with severe disabilities may experience psychosocial stress, e.g., due to exclusion or health restrictions.
On behalf of more than 1,400 employers, the pme Familienservice supports employees in successfully balancing their professional and private lives and enabling them to work with peace of mind.
We are happy to support employees of our client companies with the relevant contract in submitting applications and completing the procedures relating to severe disability. Our life coaching provides psychosocial support and helps, among other things, in finding counseling centers and self-help groups.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about severe disability
What is the degree of disability (GdB)?
The degree of disability (GdB) indicates the severity of your physical, mental, or psychological impairments. It is determined in increments of ten from 20 to 100.
How do I apply for a severely disabled person's pass?
You submit the application to your competent pension authority (usually the pension office) and enclose all relevant medical documents.
How can I support my application for severe disability status?
If possible, submit all medical evidence and describe your everyday impairments in detail.
What rights do I have as a person with a severe disability?
They are entitled to special protection against dismissal, additional leave, tax breaks, compensation for disadvantages in the workplace, and other support.
How long does it take for the application to be processed?
Processing can take several weeks to months. The GdB is recognized retroactively from the date of application.
What can I do if my application is rejected or the decision does not meet my expectations?
You can lodge an appeal within one month and, if necessary, bring an action before the social court.
How long is the severely disabled person's pass valid?
The card is usually issued for a limited period. However, depending on the state of health, it can also be valid indefinitely.
What does equality mean for a GdB below 50?
If your degree of disability is between 30 and 49, you can apply to the employment agency to be treated as equivalent. This gives you similar rights and compensation for disadvantages in working life as severely disabled people, e.g., special protection against dismissal and support in workplace design.
Further information and sources
Destatis – Figures on severe disability
Rehadat – Job and integration opportunities
Family guide – Information portal on severe disability
Disability officer for accessibility
specialized integration services
Rehabilitation career counseling
Single point of contact for employers (EAA)
Employment agency: Studying with a disability
Student Services: Studying with a disability
Nakos: We strengthen self-help
Brochure: Guide for people with disabilities (Bavaria)
Federal Employment Agency: Information on equality
Bavaria: People with disabilities
Bavaria: Inclusion in working life
Specialist office for supplementary independent participation counseling
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