Disability in Germany: how to get a severely disabled pass

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

People with a lasting physical, mental or psychological impairment have a right to support in Germany, so that they can take part in work and everyday life on equal terms. The key to most of that support is an official assessment of how severe the impairment is. It is free, and it is open to everyone living in Germany, including people in the asylum procedure and with a tolerated stay.

This is general information, not legal advice. For your own case, speak to an advice centre.

Step by step

1. Understand the degree of disability

   The degree of disability (Grad der Behinderung, GdB) is a number from 20 to 100 in steps of ten. It describes how much the impairment affects daily life, not the diagnosis itself and not your ability to work. Several impairments are assessed together.

   Done

2. Know what the pass is

   From a GdB of 50 a person counts as severely disabled and can receive the severely disabled pass. It is a card that proves the status to employers, offices, transport companies and others.

   Done

3. Collect medical evidence

   Ask your doctors for current reports, findings, hospital and rehabilitation letters. The more precisely they describe the effects on daily life, the better. Write down which doctors and clinics treat you.

   Done

4. Apply

   The application goes to the office responsible for your area, usually called Versorgungsamt, or to the municipality in some states. The form is available from the office or online. You release your doctors from confidentiality, and the office requests reports itself. A passport photo is needed for the pass.

   Done

5. Wait for the decision

   The office decides on the basis of the documents, usually without examining you. You receive a written notice with the GdB and any marks. It often takes several months.

   Done

6. Check the marks

   Letters on the pass stand for particular needs and bring specific rights: G for a considerable walking impairment, aG for an exceptional walking impairment, which allows parking in disabled spaces, B for the right to bring a companion free of charge, H for helplessness, Bl for blind.

   Done

7. Object if the result is too low

   You can file an objection (Widerspruch) within one month of the notice. Ask to see the file, and get help from an advice centre or a social association.

   Done

Good to know

With the pass you have, among other things: five extra days of paid holiday a year with a five-day week, special protection against dismissal, a tax allowance, and, depending on the marks, free or reduced local public transport and earlier retirement.

With a GdB of 30 or 40 you can apply to the employment agency to be treated as equal to severely disabled people (Gleichstellung), which gives the protection against dismissal but not the extra holiday.

Free, independent advice in many languages is offered by the EUTB centres (teilhabeberatung.de), and by the migration advice services.

Related: long-term care in Germany: how to apply for a care level and your work contract in Germany.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

In short: GdB from 20 to 100, pass from 50. Apply at the Versorgungsamt with medical reports, free and open to every resident. Marks G, aG, B, H, Bl bring specific rights. Objection within one month.