Degree of Disability (GdB)

The degree of disability, or GdB for short, determines the extent to which an individual’s disability or disabilities affect their ability to participate in society, irrespective of their occupational activity and the cause of the health impairment. The GdB is determined in increments of 10, from 20 to 100, by the relevant benefits office on the basis of a socio-medical assessment. In Germany, a person is considered to have a severe disability from a GdB of 50 onwards. It is commonly, though incorrectly, referred to in everyday language as a ‘percentage’. In addition to the GdB, supplementary codes may formalise certain forms of permanent impairment of participation and entitle the holder to various forms of disadvantage compensation or support services (e.g. G, H, Gl …).