According to the Federal Statistical Office’s findings, 7.6 million Germans had a severe disability as of the end of 2015. This figure amounts to 9.3 percent of the total population.
People are considered to have a severe disability if the pension departments recognise that they have a degree of disability of at least 50. Their physical or mental health impairment must last for longer than six months and have a severe negative impact on their ability to participate in social life. People with a lower degree of disability who still suffer major disadvantages can apply for a status equivalent to having a severe disability. 1.8 million Germans have the highest degree of disability, 100.
Three in four people with severe disabilities are over 55 years old. 61 percent have a physical disability, while 12 have an intellectual one. Nine percent suffer from central nervous system disorders. For 18 percent, the type of disability has not been specified. 86 percent of impairments were caused by accidents. Of the people with severe disabilities, 0.3 percent have a health impairment as a result of military service, alternative civilian service or war.
Legislation provides support for people with severe disabilities to facilitate their participation in society. Accordingly, measures are in place to compensate for disadvantages in their professional and personal lives. For example, people with severe disabilities have five additional days of paid leave per year and additional protection against termination of their employment, and do not have to work overtime.