Back after a long illness: gradual reintegration
Working full time again right after a long illness? That often overwhelms people. Gradual reintegration, the Hamburg model, allows a gentle return with a slowly increasing number of hours.
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What you should do now
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1. Have a medical plan drawn up
Have your treating doctor issue a reintegration plan.
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2. Coordinate with the employer
The plan is coordinated with the employer; they must consent (severely disabled: entitlement).
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3. Clarify the cash benefit
During the reintegration, sickness benefit or transitional allowance as a rule continues.
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4. Get support
The company doctor, works council or the representative body for severely disabled employees can support you.
Frequently asked questions
What is gradual reintegration?
A slow return to the job after a longer illness (Hamburg model, § 44 SGB IX / § 74 SGB V): at first you work only a few hours and increase the working time step by step according to a medical plan. Meanwhile you still count as unable to work and as a rule continue to receive sickness benefit or transitional allowance.
Does the employer have to take part in the reintegration?
In principle the measure is voluntary and needs the employer's consent. Severely disabled people, however, have a right to gradual reintegration. If the employer refuses without reason, the works council, the representative body for severely disabled employees or the company doctor can mediate.
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.