Report an occupational illness
Notification of an occupational disease by the physician or the insured person to the relevant workers' compensation association or accident insurance fund.
How to proceed
- 1
Report an occupational illness to your doctor or file a claim yourself
Report of an occupational disease to the relevant workers' compensation insurance fund or accident insurance fund.
- 2
Medical Evaluation
The workers' compensation association has commissioned an expert to conduct a causality assessment.
- 3
Decision on Recognition
If recognized: medical treatment, occupational disease pension based on the degree of reduced earning capacity.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 months
Official: max. approx. 2 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Report only accepted from a doctor (self-reporting is possible)
- • Occupational exposure not adequately documented
Common reasons for rejection
- • Not a legally recognized occupational disease according to the list of occupational diseases
- • No causal link between the activity and the illness has been established
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Insured persons suspected of having an occupational disease (e.g., noise-induced hearing loss, asbestosis).
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 40.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Report only accepted from a doctor (self-reporting is possible)
- •Occupational exposure not adequately documented
Common reasons for rejection
- •Not a legally recognized occupational disease according to the list of occupational diseases
- •No causal link between the activity and the illness has been established
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Questions & Answers
Who can report an occupational disease?▼
Doctors are required to report the illness. Insured individuals may also report the illness themselves.