Germany: Complete Guide to Disability Employment
Legal Framework
Social Code Book IX (SGB IX)
The primary law governing disability employment in Germany, covering:
- Definition of disability
- Employer obligations
- Support services
- Quota requirements
Degree of Disability (GdB)
Disability is measured on a scale of 20-100:
- GdB 50+: Severely disabled (schwerbehindert)
- GdB 30-40: Can be equated with severe disability for employment
The Schwerbehindertenausweis
Official ID card confirming severe disability status, providing access to:
- Employment protections
- Additional leave (5 days)
- Tax benefits
- Public transport discounts
Employer Quota System
Requirements
- Employers with 20+ employees must fill 5% of positions with severely disabled workers
- Monthly reporting required
Compensatory Levy (Ausgleichsabgabe)
If quota is not met:
| Fulfillment Rate | Monthly Levy per Position |
|---|---|
| 3-5% | €140 |
| 2-3% | €245 |
| 0-2% | €360 |
Integration Offices (Integrationsämter)
Services Provided
- Workplace modification funding
- Personal assistance
- Conflict mediation
- Training subsidies
Special Dismissal Protection
Severely disabled employees have enhanced protection:
- Employer must obtain Integrationsamt approval before dismissal
- Applies after 6 months of employment
Financial Support
Eingliederungszuschuss (Integration Subsidy)
- Up to 70% of wage costs
- For up to 24 months
Resources
- Integrationsämter: integrationsaemter.de
- Agentur für Arbeit: arbeitsagentur.de
- Rehadat: rehadat.de