🎫 Compensation for disadvantages in everyday life
In brief
The ID and the disability markers entered on it open up a range of compensation for disadvantages. Important: not every compensation depends on the GdB alone – many require a specific disability marker (Merkzeichen), for example "aG" (exceptional walking disability) for the blue parking permit or "RF" for the reduction of the broadcasting contribution. So for every entitlement, check carefully whether you actually have the marker it requires.
The most important forms of compensation include the tax disability lump sum (Behinderten-Pauschbetrag), a vehicle tax reduction or exemption, an additional paid leave entitlement of 5 working days a year and – with the right marker – the parking permit and the reduction of the broadcasting contribution.
Step by step
- Check your markersLook at your ID to see which markers are entered – this determines which forms of compensation come into question.
- Claim the tax lump sumEnter the disability lump sum in your income tax return; it is granted without proof of individual costs.
- Have your vehicle tax checkedWith the markers H, Bl or aG a full vehicle tax exemption comes into question, with G or Gl a 50 % reduction – apply to the responsible Hauptzollamt (main customs office).
- Get the broadcasting contribution reducedWith the marker RF the broadcasting contribution is reduced to one third – for this you must submit a separate application to the Beitragsservice; the reduction is not automatic.
- Apply for a parking permitWith the marker aG or Bl you can apply to the local road traffic authority for the blue EU parking permit under § 46 StVO.
Deadlines
- Despite an entered marker RF, the broadcasting contribution is not reduced automatically – without a separate application to the Beitragsservice you remain liable to pay in full.
- The disability lump sum does not in every case rule out deducting higher actual costs as extraordinary burdens – in an individual case proof of the individual costs may be more favourable; a tax adviser should check this.
- The severe disability ID alone does not entitle you to park in disabled parking spaces – for that you also need the blue parking permit under § 46 StVO, which must be applied for separately.
- Which concessions private providers (e.g. admission discounts, public transport companies) grant beyond the statutory compensation for disadvantages is voluntary and differs from place to place.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Disability lump sum, § 33b EStG
The lump sum rises in steps by GdB from 384 euros (from GdB 20) to 2,840 euros (at GdB 100) a year. In cases of helplessness, blindness or deaf-blindness, a uniform increased lump sum of 7,400 euros applies regardless of the GdB. The lump sum covers typical additional expenses caused by disability without proof of individual costs.
Vehicle tax
With the markers H, Bl or aG a full motor vehicle tax exemption may be considered; with the markers G or Gl a 50 % reduction, provided free carriage in public passenger transport (Wertmarke) is waived. The Hauptzollamt is responsible.
Marker RF and broadcasting contribution
The marker RF is available to, among others, people who are blind or substantially visually impaired (GdB of at least 60 on account of the visual impairment alone), deaf people or people with a pronounced hearing impairment, and people with a GdB of at least 80 who for that reason cannot permanently take part in public events (§ 4 Abs. 2 Rundfunkbeitragsstaatsvertrag in conjunction with the assessment criteria of the pension administration). It reduces the broadcasting contribution to one third; full exemption generally requires receipt of certain social benefits.
Extra leave, § 208 SGB IX
Severely disabled people are entitled to additional paid leave of 5 working days a year on a five-day week; with a different distribution of working time, the entitlement is converted accordingly. The entitlement is in addition to the statutory or collectively agreed minimum leave.
Parking permit, § 46 StVO
The blue EU parking permit is an exemption granted by the road traffic authority under § 46 Abs. 1 Nr. 11 StVO. As a rule it requires the marker aG or Bl and is applied for separately from the ID at the local road traffic authority.
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.