How do I get a disability ID card (Schwerbehindertenausweis), and what rights does it give me?

1. Assessing the degree of disability: If a long-term illness or disability affects your daily life, you apply to have your degree of disability (Grad der Behinderung, GdB) assessed. In Berlin the responsible authority is the Versorgungsamt, part of the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo). Attach medical reports and a list of the doctors treating you.

2. The ID card: If your GdB is assessed at 50 or more, you send a photo to the Versorgungsamt and receive the disability ID card (Schwerbehindertenausweis). It is valid throughout Germany. Markings (Merkzeichen) are added for specific limitations, for example for free public transport.

Rights: 5 extra days of leave a year, special protection against dismissal (your employer first needs approval from the Integrationsamt), a disability allowance in your tax return, support for adapting your workplace and, depending on the markings, discounts on transport or at many businesses.

With a GdB of 30 or 40: You cannot get the ID card, but to protect your job you can ask the Arbeitsagentur for equal status with severely disabled people (Gleichstellung).

Free advice: The independent participation counselling centres (Ergänzende unabhängige Teilhabeberatung, EUTB) offer free support with applications and rights. Getting the ID card is voluntary; you do not have to show it to your employer, but you need to tell them to use the special rights.