Everything You Need to Know About Discrimination Against People with Disabilities and Their Rights Under SGB IX in Germany
People with disabilities around the world face major challenges, not only in terms of physical barriers, but also due to social and institutional discrimination.
In Germany, strict laws are in place to protect them and to ensure equal participation and full inclusion in all areas of life. One of the most important legal frameworks is Book Nine of the Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch IX – SGB IX).
Discrimination includes all actions or decisions that restrict the opportunities of people with disabilities in, for example:
education,
the labour market,
access to public services,
social and cultural participation.
Book Nine of the Social Code was fundamentally amended in 2018 and aims to:
strengthen the rights of people with disabilities,
support their independent and effective participation in society,
enable them to work under fair and equal conditions.
1. Right to employment and occupational participation
Companies with more than 20 employees are obliged to fill 5 % of their positions with people with severe disabilities.
If they fail to do so, a compensatory levy (Ausgleichsabgabe) is imposed.
2. Protection against dismissal
People with disabilities enjoy special protection against dismissal.
They may generally only be dismissed with the consent of the Integration Office (Integrationsamt).
3. Reasonable accommodation
The working environment must be adapted to the individual needs of the person, for example:
special equipment or technical aids,
flexible working hours or adapted work organisation.
4. Right to (vocational) rehabilitation and reintegration
There are training and rehabilitation programmes designed to integrate people with disabilities into the labour market.
They also help people return to work after illness or injury.
Schwerbehindertenausweis (disability ID card)
An official ID card for persons with severe disabilities.
It entitles the holder to benefits such as:
reductions on public transport,
tax relief,
preferential treatment in certain services.
Integrationsamt (Integration Office)
The Integration Office supports the professional integration of people with disabilities.
It protects their rights at work and can provide financial and technical assistance to secure jobs.
Despite clear legal protections, many people with disabilities still face discrimination, for example through:
limited access to buildings or public transport,
prejudices and stereotypes about their abilities,
exclusion from social or cultural events.
1. Document the incident
Write down the date, time, place and course of events.
Keep evidence and witness details (messages, letters, screenshots, photos).
2. File a complaint
Contact the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes).
If the discrimination is work-related, you can also file a complaint directly with the Integrationsamt.
3. Seek legal advice
The workplace representative body for disabled employees (Schwerbehindertenvertretung) can support you.
Associations and organisations of people with disabilities also provide legal and social counselling.
SGB IX protects people with disabilities and guarantees them comprehensive rights in all areas of life, especially in the labour market.
Nevertheless, social awareness and solidarity remain essential for true inclusion.
If you experience discrimination, remember: you are not alone – there are laws, institutions and advisers ready to support you.
Sozialgesetzbuch IX (SGB IX): Social Code Book Nine
Schwerbehindertenausweis: ID card for persons with severe disabilities
Integrationsamt: Integration Office for people with disabilities at work
Ausgleichsabgabe: compensatory levy paid by employers who do not fulfil the quota
Schwerbehindertenvertretung: workplace representation for employees with disabilities
* The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete information cannot be completely ruled out. Please treat the information given here as an initial guide and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date advice.
