Germany expands EUTB legal support for people with disabilities

Starting October 1, 2026, the scope of the Supplementary Independent Participation Counseling (EUTB) in Germany will expand significantly. Under the amended Participation Counseling Ordinance, EUTB centers will be permitted to provide legal assistance for specific individual cases, including support during objection and litigation processes regarding rehabilitation and participation services.

Previously, EUTB was limited to general information regarding rights and benefits and was prohibited from conducting legal assessments of individual cases. The new regulations allow centers that meet legal requirements to assist individuals facing denials for services such as medical aids, integration assistance, and vocational participation. While the counseling remains free of charge, not all EUTB locations will necessarily offer these expanded legal services, and individuals are advised to check with local centers.

In a separate legal development, the Bavarian State Social Court ruled that the 'H' (helplessness) marker can be revoked upon reaching adulthood even without a documented improvement in health. The court clarified that legal helplessness requires assistance with at least three daily activities for approximately two hours per day, noting that a care level of 3 does not automatically prove legal helplessness.