Germany limits automatic bank fee waivers for disabled and enforces a three‑week deadline for termination protection

In Germany, people with a disability rating of 50 (GdB 50) are not entitled by law to a blanket exemption from bank account‑holding fees. The amount charged is set by each bank, and while no statutory right to fee‑free accounts exists, individuals may obtain fee‑free accounts by comparing offers, negotiating with banks, or choosing accounts that charge no fees.

For employees with a disability rating of 30 or 40 (GdB 30/40), the Federal Labour Court confirms that equal‑treatment status (Gleichstellung) can be applied for to secure special termination protection. However, the protection only applies if the application is filed at least three weeks before an employer’s dismissal is received. Applications submitted later do not prevent the dismissal from being effective, even if the equal‑treatment status is later granted.