Keywords: disability status CED, degree of disability Crohn's disease, GdB ulcerative colitis, severely disabled person's pass CED, advantages of disability status, compensation for disadvantages CED, chronic inflammatory bowel disease
Are you eligible for disability status with IBD?
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can have a significant impact on everyday life. But are you entitled to disability status? And what benefits does it bring you? In this guide, you can find out everything you need to know about the application, the degree of disability (GdB) and possible disadvantages.
1. are you entitled to disability status with IBD?
Yes, people with IBD can be granted disability status. The decisive factor is the extent to which the disease affects everyday life. The criteria for assessment are regulated in the Versorgungsmedizinischen Verzeichnis (VersMedV).
In principle, the following applies:
- A GdB of 20 to 40 is usually awarded for mild, well-controlled courses.
- A GdB of 50 or more (severely disabled status) can be achieved with severe and frequent relapses with considerable restrictions in everyday life.
2. what percentage of GdB can you get?
The degree of disability (GdB) depends on several factors:
| Impairment | Typical GdB |
|---|---|
| Mild symptoms, rare relapses | 20 - 30 |
| Regular relapses with moderate restrictions | 40 - 50 |
| Severe form with severe impairment | 60 - 80 |
| Very severe course, frequent hospital stays | 90 - 100 |
Additional complaints such as fistulas, surgical interventions or psychological stress can further increase the GdB.
3. what advantages does disability status bring you?
A recognized disability status or severely disabled person's pass can give you various advantages:
- ✔ Tax advantages: Higher lump sum for tax returns
- ✔ Protection under employment law: increased protection against dismissal and additional leave
- ✔ Compensation for disadvantages: Concessions on public transport, discounts at cultural institutions
- ✔ Priority protection for job applications: Employers with more than 20 employees must give priority to severely disabled people
- ✔ Retire early: Depending on the GdB, an early retirement pension may be possible
4. how do you apply for disability status with CED?
The application for determination of the GdB is submitted to the responsible pension authority in your federal state. You can submit the application online or by post.
- You need these documents:
- 📌 Medical findings (diagnosis, course, restrictions)
- 📌 Hospital reports or surgical documentation
- 📌 Documentation of your restrictions in everyday life
- 📌 Form from the pension authority (available online)
Tip: Ask your doctor to give you a detailed assessment of the impact the disease will have on your life. This will increase your chances of success!
5 How does the application process work?
1️⃣ Complete the application and send it with all documents to the pension authority
2️⃣ Assessment by the pension authority, often without a personal examination
3️⃣ Receive a GdB decision - if you disagree, you can lodge an appeal
The processing time is usually 3-6 months. If you receive a disabled person's pass, it is usually valid for 5 years.
6. do I have to inform my employer of my disability status?
No. There is no legal obligation to inform your employer of your disability status. However, you can benefit from the following advantages at work if you let them know:
- ✔ 5 days additional leave per year (from GdB 50)
- ✔ Improved workplace design (e.g. height-adjustable desk)
- ✔ Protection against dismissal
If you are afraid of discrimination, you can seek advice from the representative body for severely disabled employees or the works council beforehand.
7. are there any disadvantages due to the disability status?
Disability status brings many advantages, but there are also potential disadvantages:
- ❌ Oc cupational stigmatization: Some employers may have prejudices (not legally permissible, but possible)
- ❌ Problems with private insurance: Supplementary insurance (e.g. occupational disability insurance) can be more expensive
- ❌ Increased bureaucratic effort: annual proof or renewals required
If you no longer want disabled status, you can return it at any time.
Conclusion: Is it worth applying for disability status with IBD?
A disability status can bring you many advantages, especially in the case of more severe courses of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Whether it is worthwhile depends on the individual course of your illness.
➡ Tip: If you are unsure whether you should submit an application, speak to a specialist lawyer for social law or a patient association such as the German Crohn's/Colitis Ulcerosa Association (DCCV)(www.dccv.de).
Do you have any experience with the application? Share them in the comments! 😊
Related article: Find out how the Euro key makes CED sufferers more flexible when traveling.
Helpful external links
- 📌 Official Ordinance on Healthcare Medicine (VersMedV): Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs - Status: September 2024
- 📌 DCCV e.V. - Patient organization for CED: www.dccv.de
- 📌 Social Code IX - Rights of people with disabilities: Laws on the Internet
- 📌 O verview of pension offices by federal state: Sozialportal Deutschland
How did you like this article?
I have not yet applied for a disability card, but will do so. Clear article with all the important information 🙂
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