Germany plans expanded disability rights and tax relief

The German government is pursuing measures to enhance rights and support for the approximately 13 million people living with disabilities in the country.

A proposed reform of the Disability Equality Act (BGG) aims to extend anti-discrimination protections beyond public authorities to include private providers of goods and services. This expansion would target barriers in daily economic life, such as access to restaurants, hotels, medical practices, and other public-facing businesses, ensuring that both physical access and the usability of services are protected.

Additionally, existing regulations under the Motor Vehicle Tax Act allow for tax relief or exemptions for individuals with a degree of disability (GdB). Full exemptions from motor vehicle tax are available for those with a GdB of at least 50 and specific markers in their disability ID, such as ‘H’ (helpless), ‘Bl’ (blind), or ‘aG’ (exceptional walking disability). A 50 percent reduction may be available for those with markers ‘G’ (significant walking disability) or ‘Gl’ (deaf), provided they waive free public transport benefits.