How to get disability in Hamburg: step-by-step instructions for Ukrainian veterans
Ukrainian veterans living in Hamburg who experience the consequences of combat injuries, illnesses, or psychological trauma can apply for official recognition of a disability in Germany. An officially recognized degree of disability may provide access to social benefits, tax relief, additional protection in the workplace, and other forms of support.
Germany uses the Grad der Behinderung (GdB), or Degree of Disability, which indicates the extent to which a person’s participation in society is affected by a health condition. The GdB is determined in increments from 20 to 100.
Who Can Apply?
An application can be submitted by individuals who:
- legally reside or have their place of residence in Germany;
- have long-term health impairments that are expected to last for more than six months;
- can provide medical documentation confirming their health condition.
For veterans, relevant health conditions may include:
- consequences of combat injuries;
- limb amputations;
- musculoskeletal impairments;
- hearing or visual impairments;
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
- chronic pain syndrome;
- neurological or mental health conditions.
What Is the Grad der Behinderung (GdB)?
Unlike the Ukrainian system of disability groups, Germany determines a Degree of Disability (GdB):
| GdB | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 20–40 | Recognized degree of disability |
| 50 or higher | Severe disability status (Schwerbehinderung) |
| 100 | Highest degree of disability |
If a GdB of 50 or higher is determined, the person is considered severely disabled (schwerbehindert) and may apply for a severe disability ID card (Schwerbehindertenausweis).
Where to Apply in Hamburg
In Hamburg, applications for the determination of the Degree of Disability are handled by the competent authority of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
An application can be submitted, among other ways:
- online via the City of Hamburg service portal;
- in writing or by post;
- with assistance from the relevant social and advisory services.
Official information and options for submitting an application are available on the City of Hamburg service portal:
Hamburg Service – Apply for Recognition of Severe Disability
What Documents Are Required?
It is recommended that you provide as much relevant medical documentation as possible with your application, including:
- hospital discharge reports and medical records;
- MRI, CT, and X-ray examination results;
- reports and assessments from specialist physicians;
- documents relating to surgical procedures;
- psychiatric or psychological assessments concerning PTSD;
- documents relating to rehabilitation treatment;
- German translations of Ukrainian medical documents, where possible.
The more comprehensively the impact of your health conditions on everyday life is described and documented, the more accurately the GdB can be assessed.
How Does the Procedure Work?
1. Submitting the Application
After receiving the application, the competent authority begins the process of reviewing and assessing the applicant’s health impairments.
2. Obtaining Medical Information
With your written consent, the competent authority may contact doctors, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities to obtain additional medical reports and information.
3. Medical Assessment
The assessment does not focus solely on the diagnosis itself. Particular consideration is given to how the health impairments affect the person’s participation in society.
This may include an assessment of areas such as:
- mobility;
- independence in everyday life;
- working life;
- social participation;
- mental health.
If a person has several illnesses or consequences of injuries, their overall combined impact is assessed.
4. Receiving the Decision
Once the assessment process has been completed, the applicant receives an official decision (Bescheid), which may include:
- the determined GdB;
- any special disability markers (Merkzeichen) granted;
- where applicable, the period of validity of the determination.
What If You Disagree With the Decision?
If you disagree with the determined Degree of Disability, you can generally file an objection (Widerspruch) within one month after notification of the decision. The legal instructions provided in the individual decision should be followed.
If your health condition significantly worsens, you may also apply for a reassessment or an increase in your previously determined GdB.
What Benefits Does Severe Disability Status Provide?
People with a GdB of at least 50 may, depending on their individual circumstances and any special disability markers granted, be eligible for various forms of support and compensation for disadvantages, including:
- additional paid leave for severely disabled employees;
- tax benefits;
- special protection against dismissal;
- special provisions and support in working life;
- certain public transport benefits, provided the relevant requirements and disability markers are met;
- access to certain support and rehabilitation programs.
Special Considerations for Ukrainian Veterans
When determining the GdB in Germany, participation in combat operations itself is not the decisive factor. What matters are the health impairments and the extent to which they affect a person’s participation in society.
Veterans are therefore advised to:
- collect all available medical documentation before submitting an application;
- have the psychological consequences of war medically documented;
- undergo regular examinations and treatment by doctors in Germany;
- seek assistance from veterans’ and social organizations when needed.
Practical Advice
Before submitting your application, it may be helpful to ask your general practitioner (Hausarzt) or treating specialists to prepare detailed medical reports describing your health impairments and their impact on your everyday life as precisely as possible. Comprehensive medical documentation can be very important when determining the Degree of Disability.
Important: The disability assessment procedure itself is generally free of charge. If you need assistance with your application, you can contact us.
We support veterans throughout the entire process – from preparing the necessary documents and submitting the application to the completion of the disability assessment procedure.
