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Germany

Workplace support in Germany

Which official body is responsible for what — linking to the original information rather than to third-party interpretations.

What this page does not do

Information about working life with a chronic condition in Germany is accurate but spread across many portals. This page organises the bodies so you reach the right one sooner.

Each card names the responsible institution, what it covers, who it is for and when we last checked the link.

It does not establish a degree of disability, check entitlements, assess fitness for work or tell you whether to make an application. If you need an assessment of your case, an independent advice service or legal advice is the right route.

Official contact points in Germany

  • Discrimination on grounds of disability or chronic illness

    Responsible body
    Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes)
    What it covers
    Explains when a chronic illness may be treated in law like a disability in working life — this depends on the individual case and does not follow automatically from a diagnosis. The agency advises free of charge.
    Who it is for
    People who believe they have been disadvantaged at work.

    Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes) (External link)

    Link last checked:

  • Degree of disability and severe disability status

    Responsible body
    gesund.bund.de (Federal Ministry of Health)
    What it covers
    The official federal health portal explains the degree of disability (Grad der Behinderung), the threshold at which severe disability status begins and how an application generally works. A diagnosis alone does not determine the GdB.
    Who it is for
    People who want to understand how recognition generally works in Germany.

    gesund.bund.de (Federal Ministry of Health) (External link)

    Link last checked:

  • Gleichstellung (equal status with severely disabled people)

    Responsible body
    Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
    What it covers
    The Federal Employment Agency explains the purpose and basic conditions of Gleichstellung. It addresses people with a recognised GdB of 30 or 40 and is intended to help obtain or retain suitable employment.
    Who it is for
    People with a recognised GdB of 30 or 40 whose job is at risk, or who are looking for one.

    Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) (External link)

    Link last checked:

  • Occupational integration management (Betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement, BEM)

    Responsible body
    Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS)
    What it covers
    A process employers must offer to employees who have been unable to work for more than six weeks — continuously or repeatedly — within one year. Its purpose is to overcome the incapacity and preserve the job. Taking part is voluntary.
    Who it is for
    Employees after longer or repeated periods of sick leave.

    Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) (External link)

    Link last checked:

  • Phased return to work (stufenweise Wiedereingliederung)

    Responsible body
    gesund.bund.de (Federal Ministry of Health)
    What it covers
    Explains how a phased return to work after a longer period of incapacity generally works, who is involved and who can initiate it. Whether it is an option in your case is for your treating team to judge.
    Who it is for
    People returning after surgery or a longer absence.

    gesund.bund.de (Federal Ministry of Health) (External link)

    Link last checked:

  • Free, independent counselling near you

    Responsible body
    Supplementary Independent Participation Counselling (EUTB)
    What it covers
    Around 500 counselling services across Germany covering rehabilitation and participation — free of charge, independent of the bodies that pay for benefits, and often delivered by people with their own lived experience. The map finds a service near you.
    Who it is for
    Anyone looking for an independent contact before making an application.

    Supplementary Independent Participation Counselling (EUTB) (External link)

    Link last checked:

  • Accompanying support in working life

    Responsible body
    Integration Offices (Integrationsämter, BIH)
    What it covers
    The integration offices support severely disabled and equal-status employees and their employers, for example in adapting a workplace. The responsible office is the one for your federal state.
    Who it is for
    Employees with recognised severe disability or Gleichstellung status.

    Integration Offices (Integrationsämter, BIH) (External link)

    Link last checked:

We deliberately do not reproduce German legal rules in detail here. Conditions change, and only the responsible body can decide your individual case. This page does not replace legal advice.

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Evidence and editorial review

Last editorially reviewed: · Next review:

Statements about working with hidradenitis suppurativa draw on published research; everything about German procedures comes from the responsible official bodies and is linked below.

Legal conditions change. We reproduce them here for orientation only and point to the responsible authority for the binding version. The external links are checked quarterly.

Our editorial policy

My HS Home See this record alongside every other tool you've saved, in one dashboard — no account needed. Symptom Tracker Record how the disease itself develops over time — medical, not work-related. My HS Care Team Who may be involved, what each appointment is for and how to prepare. HS Wound Care & Dressing Guide Scenario-based education on drainage and dressing changes — including away from home. HS Clothing & Friction Guide Why workwear causes more trouble at some body sites than others. Treatment Consultation Guide Collect questions for your next dermatology appointment. Living With Acne Inversa The overview article on everyday life with HS.

Sources

  1. Schneider-Burrus S. et al. The impact of hidradenitis suppurativa on professional life British Journal of Dermatology, 2023 — German multicentre study of work ability and productivity in HS.
  2. Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency: disability and chronic illness Official information on when a chronic illness may be treated in law like a disability in working life.
  3. gesund.bund.de: rights of people with severe disabilities The federal health portal on degree of disability, severe disability status and the application route.
  4. Federal Employment Agency: Gleichstellung Purpose and basic conditions of equal status with severely disabled people.
  5. BMAS: occupational integration management The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs on the BEM process under § 167(2) SGB IX.
  6. gesund.bund.de: phased return to work Official description of a phased return to work after a longer period of incapacity.
  7. Supplementary Independent Participation Counselling (EUTB) A nationwide network of free, independent counselling services funded by the BMAS.