8. Should I apply for a disabled person's pass?

Many students ask themselves whether they need a disabled person's pass.
An ID card is not absolutely necessary to compensate for disadvantages during studies, as the study-related impairment can also be proven by a (specialist) medical certificate, for example. In practice, the disability certificate often makes it easier to prove a disadvantage or particular hardship.

In everyday life and especially in the professional world, possession of a severely disabled person's ID card enables various compensations for disadvantages, depending on the individual situation, such as tax benefits, protection against dismissal, additional leave, free travel on public transport or taking accompanying persons to cultural events.

A severely disabled person's pass is issued on application by the State Office for Health and Social Affairs if a degree of disability (GdB) of at least 50 has been determined and you are legally resident, ordinarily resident or employed in Germany. Students with a mental illness or mental disability can also apply for an ID card. We recommend that you enclose a medical certificate stating the nature of the impairment with your application. The application forms are available from the State Office for Health and Social Affairs or can also be completed online.

The counselling centres of the district offices/health offices for people with disabilities offer advice and support with the application process.