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Social benefits

Have a severe disability officially recognized for the first time

Initial application to the Social Security Office for the determination of a disability and the issuance of a disability ID card.

Wo wohnen Sie?

Damit wir Have a severe disability officially recognized for the first time mit dem zuständigen Versorgungsamt in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

Oder Großstadt wählen:

Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Have a severe disability officially recognized for the first time.

Processing: approx. 2 monthsSuccess rate: 78.0 %
Last reviewed: August 02, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Medical reports · Personalausweis oder Reisepass

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    Apply directly online

  4. 4

    Costs

    Kostenlos – keine Gebühr für den Antrag

Find the responsible authority

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit an application to the Social Security Office

    Online or in writing, including medical reports from all treating physicians.

  2. 2

    Submit medical records or sign a release of confidentiality

    The Social Security Office may obtain its own expert opinions if necessary.

  3. 3

    Receive a determination notice and a disability ID card

    From a GdB of 50: Disability ID card with accommodations.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Individuals with permanent physical, mental, or psychological impairments who are expected to have a GdB of at least 20.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 months

Success rate

approx. 78.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • Insufficient medical records submitted
  • Application submitted without complete medical reports

Common reasons for rejection

  • GdB below 20 (not determined)
  • Impairment is not permanent (less than 6 months)

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

At what GdB level am I eligible for a disability ID card?

A disability ID card is issued only if the total degree of disability (GdB) is 50 or higher. For degrees of disability below that, a determination notice is issued, but no ID card.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Source
Bundesportal (verwaltung.bund.de)
Data quality
100 %

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