Wegweiser Occupational disability · Pension & insurance Deutsch

🪪 Severe disability card and reduced earning capacity: how the two are connected

A severe disability card (Schwerbehindertenausweis) and a reduced earning capacity pension are determined independently of each other and by different standards – one is not a requirement for the other, but they can usefully complement each other.

Severe disability card Degree of disability (GdB) § 152 SGB IX § 168 SGB IX Special protection against dismissal

In brief

The degree of disability (Grad der Behinderung, GdB) is determined by the Versorgungsamt (pension office) under § 152 SGB IX independently of your capacity to work: it assesses the impairment in all areas of life, not just at work. Reduced earning capacity under § 43 SGB VI, by contrast, concerns solely the ability to work on the general labour market. The two procedures run at different authorities – the Versorgungsamt and the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, respectively – and a notice of decision from one does not bind the other.

A severe disability card (from GdB 50) brings its own advantages that are relevant to the question of occupational disability, such as special protection against dismissal, requiring the consent of the Integrationsamt (integration office) (§ 168 SGB IX), additional leave and tax lump sums. You will find detailed guidance on applying, on objections and on the GdB tables in the separate topic area "Disability" of this platform – this article deliberately does not duplicate that, but only explains the connection with occupational disability.

Step by step

  1. Clarify the benefit independently of the pension procedureAdditional leave, special protection against dismissal and tax lump sums can be worthwhile even without a reduced earning capacity pension.
  2. Submit the application to the Versorgungsamt separately from the pension applicationYou will find detailed guidance on this in the topic area "Disability".
  3. Use medical documents twice if appropriateFor pension and severe disability procedures, but with separate applications to different authorities.
  4. Invoke special protection against dismissal if neededUnder § 168 SGB IX, with a GdB of 50 or more, the consent of the Integrationsamt is required before a dismissal.

Deadlines

No statutory deadline
The application for a severe disability card can be made at any time, but in principle takes effect only from the month of application and not retroactively for earlier periods.
Watch out – common mistakes
  • A GdB of 50 is often confused with reduced earning capacity – they are legally separate procedures at different authorities with different standards; one notice of decision does not bind the other.
  • For details on applying, on objections and on the GdB assessment tables, see the separate topic area "Disability" of this platform.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Determination of GdB under § 152 SGB IX

The Versorgungsamt assesses the impairment of participation in life in society in all areas of life on the basis of the Versorgungsmedizin-Verordnung (Ordinance on Medical Assessment in Pension Law) – regardless of whether, and how much, the person concerned can still work.

Special protection against dismissal under § 168 SGB IX

With a GdB of at least 50 (or equivalent status), a dismissal requires the prior consent of the Integrationsamt.

Why GdB and reduced earning capacity are independent of each other

A person can have a high GdB and yet be fully employed, or have a low GdB and yet have full reduced earning capacity – the standards differ fundamentally.

Who is responsible
  • Versorgungsamt (severe disability card)
  • Integrationsamt (consent to dismissal)
Further reading
Protection against dismissal and workplace reintegration management (BEM)

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Severe disability card and reduced earning capacity: how the two are connected“?
A severe disability card (Schwerbehindertenausweis) and a reduced earning capacity pension are determined independently of each other and by different standards – one is not a requirement for the other, but they can usefully complement each other.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
No statutory deadline: The application for a severe disability card can be made at any time, but in principle takes effect only from the month of application and not retroactively for earlier periods.
What should I do first?
  • Clarify the benefit independently of the pension procedure: Additional leave, special protection against dismissal and tax lump sums can be worthwhile even without a reduced earning capacity pension.
  • Submit the application to the Versorgungsamt separately from the pension application: You will find detailed guidance on this in the topic area "Disability".
  • Use medical documents twice if appropriate: For pension and severe disability procedures, but with separate applications to different authorities.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • A GdB of 50 is often confused with reduced earning capacity – they are legally separate procedures at different authorities with different standards; one notice of decision does not bind the other.
  • For details on applying, on objections and on the GdB assessment tables, see the separate topic area "Disability" of this platform.
Evidence
  • §§ 152, 168 SGB IX (gesetze-im-internet.de)
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

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