Germany and France discuss disability rating GdB 50 rights

In Germany, the Landessozialgericht Nordrhein‑Westfalen annulled a Cologne Social Court decision that had set a man's degree of disability (GdB) at 30 without a personal hearing. The plaintiff, whose GdB had been 30 since 2008, sought an increase to 50, which would have allowed him to qualify for a reduced pension deduction. The higher court ruled that a proper assessment requires direct testimony from the affected person and witnesses from his environment.

In France, an analysis of the Bundesteilhabegesetz clarifies that a GdB of 50 does not entitle a person to exemption from bank account‑maintenance fees. While the law mandates that benefits be paid into an account in the beneficiary’s name, the cost of account management remains at the discretion of individual banks. The article notes that other concessions, such as free public transport or reduced broadcasting fees, may apply, but fee waivers for bank accounts are not guaranteed.