Questions & Answers

You should inform your integration specialist about the recognition of your severe disability. They will then take your disability into account in their integration efforts and, if they have not already done so, transfer you to a special team for people with disabilities (Reha/SB) in order to offer you the best possible advice and support.

You will only receive additional disability benefits if you are also receiving benefits for participation in working life. The severely disabled ID card alone is not sufficient for this.

We will be happy to advise you on any specific questions you may have on this topic.

Support is provided by specialized integration specialists who are familiar with the specific needs of people with disabilities and the relevant legal requirements.
We work with you to find a workplace that is suitable for your condition. We make our counseling as efficient as possible and therefore work together with various network partners.
These include, for example

• The integration offices
• The Health Department of the City of Hagen
• The Medical Service or Occupational Psychology Service of the Federal Employment Agency
• educational institution
• social security offices
• Responsible rehabilitation providers (Federal Employment Agency, German Pension Insurance, professional associations, youth welfare services, etc.)
• Technical advisory service

Despite intensive efforts, it is not always possible to find a job. Employers can receive financial support for people with disabilities.

• The amount of the subsidy can be up to 70% of the salary.
• The funding period can be up to 60 months.
• People with severe disabilities or persons of equivalent status who have reached the age of 55 are eligible for benefits for up to 96 months.

The integration subsidy must be applied for by the employer before the employee starts work.

Supported employment is a service for people undergoing vocational rehabilitation who have special support needs. This service comes into play when other options for promoting integration into work, vocational preparation, vocational training, or continuing education do not appear to be feasible.
The target group includes:

• People with disabilities ranging from learning disabilities to intellectual disabilities
• People with mental health issues and/or behavioral problems

A severe disability is defined as a degree of disability (GdB) of 50 or higher.
Under certain conditions, persons with a degree of disability of 30 or higher can also be treated as severely disabled persons.
The legal regulation states that equal treatment should be granted if, as a result of their disability, a person would not be able to obtain or retain a suitable job without such equal treatment.
Those affected who meet the requirements can submit an application to their local employment agency.

Trial employment is a service that can support employers in hiring people with disabilities and persons of equivalent status.

For up to three months, businesses and companies can be reimbursed for the costs of this temporary trial employment of disabled persons and persons of equivalent status. Trial employment is intended to make the transition to working life easier for people with disabilities. During the trial employment period, employers and employees can get to know each other at their own pace and see whether they can imagine working together on a permanent basis. This gives employers the opportunity to find a suitable employee without any risk.

During the trial employment, the employment relationship is subject to social insurance contributions, i.e., wages or salaries are paid.

"Services for participation in working life" (LTA) is the social law term for vocational rehabilitation. This applies to all rehabilitation measures that promote the employment and professional activities of people with illnesses and/or disabilities. The benefits are covered by various agencies, but usually by the Employment Agency, the pension insurance agency, or the employers' liability insurance association. Applicants who require benefits for participation in working life are looked after by a specialized team (Reha/SB) at the Hagen Job Center.

You can apply for benefits to participate in working life, also known as vocational rehabilitation, from any of the possible rehabilitation providers.

Your integration specialist at the Hagen Job Center will be happy to advise you on whether it is advisable to submit such an application and which rehabilitation provider is most likely to be responsible.