Germany Tightens Job Center Rules: Health Checks Now Mandatory Before Job Placement
Published on 07/28/2026 at 05:52 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Since July 1, 2026, Germany’s job centers can no longer ignore a jobseeker’s health. A new legal requirement under Section 15 of the Social Code Book II forces authorities to systematically assess whether someone needs rehabilitation — and to factor that into every initial evaluation and cooperation plan.
The change marks a significant shift in how employment services interact with people who have physical or mental impairments. Instead of focusing purely on placement, job centers must now identify health barriers early and actively encourage clients to apply for rehabilitation benefits. The actual decision on those benefits, however, remains with the responsible rehabilitation provider — job centers cannot order them.
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That distinction matters for workplace representatives. They must make clear to their clients that applying for rehabilitation is voluntary, and explain the legal options if an application is rejected, including the possibility of filing a complaint with a social court.
Workplace Risk Assessments Get a Mental Health Focus
In a related development, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) published a new handbook on workplace risk assessments in May 2026. The guidance updates obligations under the 1996 Occupational Safety Act and places particular emphasis on psychological hazards.
The timing is no coincidence. Germany recorded over 708 million days of incapacity for work, alongside nearly one million reported workplace accidents annually. For representatives of severely disabled employees, the risk assessment remains a critical tool — one that allows them to proactively shape safety conditions on the job.
Appeals Often Pay Off for Disability Status Claims
Data from Baden-Württemberg for 2024 shows that roughly 25 percent of appeals against decisions on the degree of disability (GdB) succeed. The deadline to file an objection is four weeks, and social court proceedings are free of charge.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) is also working to simplify access to the personal budget system. An evaluation recommends making target agreements voluntary and easing reporting requirements for unused funds. A ruling by the Federal Social Court in August 2022 already strengthened budget users’ position: large-scale repayment demands are unlawful if the money was spent for its intended purpose.
Training Programs and Digital Care Support Expand
Specialized courses are preparing representatives for their new duties. In early July 2026, training sessions on the Employee Representation Act (MVG) took place. Meanwhile, in Würzburg, a group of participants completed the first inclusive qualification program for assistant staff in daycare centers — a course that began in October 2025.
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Since the start of 2026, new long-term care insurance benefits have also become available. People with a care grade can now claim up to €70 per month for digital care applications (DiPA). The subsidy splits into two parts: up to €40 for the application itself and up to €30 for supplementary support. A severe disability alone does not qualify — a formal care grade is required.
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