Definition and Objectives of Blind Assistance
Blind assistance is a social benefit under German social law designed to provide financial support to blind individuals in coping with disability-related additional needs and disadvantages. The purpose of the benefit is to promote the participation of blind people in social life through a monthly monetary payment and to partially or fully compensate for the special life expenses arising from blindness.
Blind assistance constitutes an independent benefit area alongside other compensatory benefits for visually impaired or blind individuals and must be differentiated from other support benefits—for example, blind allowance as a state benefit or basic security benefits.
Statutory Basis of Blind Assistance
Social Code Book Twelve (SGB XII)
The central legal basis for blind assistance is § 72 SGB XII (Social Code Book Twelve – Social Assistance). This paragraph regulates eligibility requirements, the amount of the benefit, as well as how it is coordinated with other claims.
Like care assistance and assistance for the elderly, blind assistance is among the special services provided under social assistance.
Providers, Jurisdiction, and the Subsidiarity Principle
Responsibility for granting blind assistance lies with the local social assistance providers, usually the municipal or regional welfare offices such as districts or independent cities. Blind assistance is provided as a subsidiary benefit and only comes into play when blind individuals cannot claim more preferential benefits, particularly under other laws (e.g., Federal Pension Act, SGB IV-XI, state blind allowance laws) or from their own income and assets.
Eligibility Requirements for Blind Assistance
Eligible Group
Blind assistance under § 72 SGB XII is available to blind individuals who have their habitual residence within Germany. Blind, within the meaning of the law, refers to persons who are either completely blind or have a severe visual impairment in both eyes.
The definition of blindness follows § 72 para. 5 SGB XII, read in conjunction with § 1 para. 2 of the Regulation for Implementing Measures for the Blind (BlindKV):
“A person is blind if they possess no more than 1/50 of normal visual acuity in either eye, or in both eyes combined, or if there is a disorder of the sense of sight not correctable by conventional means that is equivalent to blindness.”
Need for Social Assistance
Blind assistance is a means-tested social benefit, dependent on income and assets. The provisions of SGB XII regarding the income and assets to be used, as well as offsetting obligations (§§ 82 et seq., 90 SGB XII), apply. If assessable income (e.g., pensions, maintenance payments) or assets exceed the relevant exemptions, blind assistance will be reduced or discontinued.
Age
Entitlement begins at the completion of the first year of life. For persons under 18 years of age or from the onset of an old-age pension under SGB VI (generally at age 65 or 67), deviating offsetting rules apply, particularly in regard to care benefits.
Content, Scope, and Amount of Blind Assistance
Blind assistance is provided as a standardized monthly monetary amount, which is regularly adjusted to the current standard rate of social assistance. The exact amount is set in the implementing regulation (§ 72 para. 3 SGB XII) in conjunction with the relevant announcements by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs or the state regulations.
* In 2024, the standard rate for blind assistance for adult recipients amounts to 880.56 EUR per month (this value may vary slightly depending on adjustment and federal state).
* For persons receiving long-term care insurance benefits under SGB XI, certain care allowance amounts will be credited (§ 72 paras. 2, 4 SGB XII).
Relationship to Other Benefits and Compensatory Allowances
State Blind Allowance and Other Compensatory Allowances
Blind assistance under SGB XII is distinct from the state blind allowance, which is based on state law and is paid regardless of income and assets. Any state benefit received is offset against blind assistance as part of the benefits coordination; double payment is excluded.
Care Benefits
If benefits from long-term care insurance or comparable benefits under § 39 SGB XI (care services) are provided, blind assistance is reduced by a legally prescribed amount in order to prevent double funding of supportive services.
Procedure – Application and Administrative Process
Entitlement to blind assistance generally arises only upon application to the competent social assistance authority. The following are required:
- Informal or formal application
- Proof of blindness (usually by ophthalmological assessment)
- Proof of financial circumstances (income and assets)
The administrative authority examines all eligibility requirements, particularly the need due to blindness and the subsidiary status of the benefit. Benefit approval is given in writing and is subject to the general social legislation on administrative acts (§ 31 SGB X). Appeals and legal action are permissible in the context of social administrative procedure.
Changes, Termination, and Recovery of the Benefit
Blind assistance may cease if
- the relevant blindness no longer exists,
- the income or asset situation changes and the neediness ceases,
- other preferential benefits are received,
- or the beneficiary moves abroad.
Overpaid benefits may be recovered in accordance with the provisions of SGB X, particularly in cases of false information or subsequent changes in circumstances.
Legal Protection and Judicial Review
Disputes relating to blind assistance are decided by the social courts. Appeals and legal action are permitted; procedures for legal remedies are expressly regulated in SGB XII and social court procedure. Judicial decisions often concern the recognition of blindness, questions of subsidiarity, and differentiation from other benefits.
Summary and Importance
Blind assistance under SGB XII is a key instrument for financially compensating specific disadvantages arising from blindness. As part of social assistance, it ensures a minimum level of independence and participation for visually impaired people. The relevant requirements, scope of benefits, and their relationship to other compensatory allowances are detailed in legislation and require careful examination of the applicant’s financial, health, and social situation. Through precise statutory provisions, equality and participation in social life are promoted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is entitled to blind assistance under § 72 SGB XII?
Entitlement to blind assistance under § 72 SGB XII applies to persons who have their habitual residence in Germany and who meet the requirements for the determination of blindness under § 72 para. 5 SGB XII. This includes people whose vision in the better eye does not exceed 2%. In most cases, this must be proven by an ophthalmological report. Blind assistance is a social welfare benefit and is granted only if the eligible person cannot provide for their necessary living expenses by other means. Income and assets are taken into account, subject to certain exemptions. Entitlement is granted regardless of age, but does not cover persons living in inpatient facilities if the costs are covered by another social benefit provider. Special regulations apply in some federal states if those have their own blind allowance laws with different requirements or crediting rules.
How do income and assets affect blind assistance?
Blind assistance under § 72 SGB XII is a means-tested social welfare benefit. This means that the blind person’s own income and available assets—as well as, if applicable, those of their spouse or civil partner—are offset against the benefit. These include, for example, pensions, maintenance payments, training remunerations, or any type of earnings. Certain types of income, such as child benefit for minors or basic pensions under the Federal Pension Act, are excluded. For assets, there are exemption thresholds that currently amount to 10,000 euros for individuals (as of 2024). If assets exceed this amount, the excess share must be used first. Debts or special financial burdens are also taken into account. Income paid specifically to compensate for blindness (such as state blind allowance) is credited in some cases or states on a priority basis.
Is blind assistance also paid if state blind allowance is received?
Blind assistance under § 72 SGB XII is generally only paid if a person’s entitlement to state blind allowance is insufficient or if there is no entitlement to state blind allowance. This means that state blind allowance benefits are credited as preferential benefits against blind assistance. This is intended to prevent double provision. In some federal states where the state blind allowance is lower than the blind assistance specified in SGB XII, a so-called differential amount can be granted as blind assistance. For children and young people, as well as for persons living in institutions, state-specific regulations apply, so the precise place of residence and local rules are relevant. The crediting applies regardless of whether the state blind allowance has actually been claimed—the decisive factor is whether a legal entitlement exists.
What documentation is required to apply for blind assistance?
To apply for blind assistance, a detailed ophthalmological or public health report is required, clearly stating the degree of visual impairment. Typically, a degree of disability (GdB) of 100 with the “BL” designation on the disability ID card is requested. While this facilitates proof of blindness, it is not strictly required. In addition, relevant documents regarding the applicant’s income and assets—and in needs-based communities, those of spouses or parents (in the case of minors)—must be submitted. These include, for example, bank statements, proof of income, notices of other benefits (e.g., state blind allowance, pension), rental agreements, and evidence of special financial burdens. Social welfare offices also often require a self-declaration regarding living circumstances. Without these documents, the application cannot be processed.
How long is blind assistance granted, and how are reviews conducted?
Blind assistance is generally approved as long as the eligibility requirements are met. The benefit is usually given for a limited period, typically 1 to 2 years, in order to regularly review continued eligibility. After the approval period expires, an application for extension must be submitted, with up-to-date proof regarding health status, income and assets, and any preferential benefits. If a permanent state of blindness is medically certified, approvals may also be granted with no limitation; however, periodic checks of financial circumstances continue to apply. In the event of changes such as recovery from blindness, moving to another federal state, or improved financial circumstances, blind assistance must be re-examined and, if necessary, adjusted or discontinued.
Are there regional differences in blind assistance?
Yes, there are significant differences between the individual federal states, primarily due to the various state blind allowance laws, their amounts, and offsetting rules. The level of state blind allowance varies considerably, as do the eligibility criteria and the way it is credited against federal blind assistance. In some states, blind allowance is fully offset, in others only partially, or there are special flat rates. There are also different regulations regarding whether and to what extent payments are made for people living in institutional settings. It may therefore be advisable to contact the local social authority or specialized advisory services directly for information on applicable local guidelines.
What does blind assistance cover in detail—how is payment made?
Blind assistance is provided as a monthly cash benefit to “cover the additional expenses” resulting from blindness. The amount is based on the current SGB XII standard rate and, depending on age and living situation (e.g., different rates for children), constitutes a fixed percentage thereof. This lump sum is intended to help offset the financial burdens associated with blindness, such as assistance costs, aids, or mobility assistance. Payment is generally made monthly in advance. Blind assistance is essentially non-earmarked, so there is no need to account for actual expenses. However, if additional benefits are received from other support systems, these may be credited or the assistance reduced to prevent double benefits.
