Skip to content

Dismissal despite a severe disability? There is special protection

Severely disabled employees are especially protected against dismissal. Before the employer may dismiss, they must obtain the consent of the Inclusion/Integration Office. If it is missing, the dismissal is invalid.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Check your right to a lawyer

Your chances of getting your money back

The dismissal of a severely disabled person requires the prior consent of the Inclusion Office (§ 168 SGB IX). If the employer dismisses without this consent, the dismissal is invalid. The protection generally applies once the employment relationship has lasted longer than six months.
The protection also applies to persons treated as equivalent. If the employer only learns of the severe disability after the dismissal, you must generally inform them promptly in order to rely on it.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the consent

    Was the consent of the Inclusion Office in place at the time of the dismissal? Without it, the dismissal is invalid.

  2. 2

    2. Mind the deadline

    For the dismissal, the 3-week deadline for an unfair dismissal claim applies; be sure to meet it.

  3. 3

    3. Disclose your status

    If the employer is not aware of the severe disability, inform them promptly after the dismissal is received.

  4. 4

    4. Get advice

    Seek legal advice and use the representative body for severely disabled employees / the integration service.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have special protection against dismissal as a severely disabled person?

Yes. Before a severely disabled person may be dismissed, the employer must obtain the consent of the Inclusion Office (§ 168 SGB IX). Without this prior consent, the dismissal is invalid. The protection generally applies from an employment duration of more than six months and also to persons treated as equivalent.

What do I have to do after a dismissal?

Be sure to meet the 3-week deadline for an unfair dismissal claim. Check whether the consent of the Inclusion Office was in place. If the employer was not aware of your severe disability, you should inform them promptly in order to rely on the special protection against dismissal. Get legal support.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.