Integration assistance is government support for people with disabilities. The goal is to enable them to live independently and to promote their participation in society. Whether it's housing, work, education, or leisure activities, assistance is tailored to each individual and based on their personal needs.
This service is regulated by Social Code IX (SGB IX) and is intended for people who are significantly impaired in their participation in society and life due to a disability, whether permanent or temporary. This also includes mental or intellectual impairments.
Integration assistance covers various areas of daily life. These include, for example:
The services can be performed as benefits in kind (e.g., assistance services provided by a service provider) or cash benefits (payment via a personal allowance, e.g., personal assistance) – depending on what makes the most sense for the person concerned.
People who have a (potential) disability that causes a limitation to their participation in society are entitled to integration assistance. This involves assessing whether the limitations are permanent or temporary and whether the assistance is necessary to enable the person to live more independently. Children and adolescents with developmental delays or special needs can also receive services.
An application must be submitted to the responsible Integration Assistance Office. In most cases, this is the Northeim District. There, individual needs (BENi) are determined. Independent counseling centers can also provide support in this regard. A participation in society plan can then be drawn up based on the needs assessment.
First, you should have a consultation with the Integration Assistance Office. There you will receive information on how to apply and about possible services. In the application, you should describe exactly in which areas support is needed.
Important: You don't need to have a ready-made plan – the point is to find solutions together. Medical reports or statements from specialists are also often required. If you are unsure, talk to a local support center beforehand.
Jonas is 32 years old and has an intellectual disability. After years living with his parents, he now wants to live more independently. With the support of integration assistance, he moves into a small apartment with an assistant. He is also receiving support in the form of vocational training at a workshop. For Jonas, this means greater independence, social interaction, and genuine participation in society – a significant step forward.
In order to receive integration assistance services, in many cases a financial contribution must be made once a certain income level is reached. However: The allowances for income and assets are significantly higher today than they used to be, and relatives are much less likely to be called upon to contribute to the costs.
The Federal Participation Act removed integration assistance from social welfare in 2020. Now there are no longer strict income and asset limits.
You can find easy-to-read tables showing the income or asset thresholds above which a personal contribution is required at betanet. For example: If you receive pension income, you are only required to pay a personal contribution toward integration assistance services if your annual income exceeds 26,964 euros (as of May 26, 2025). Annual income refers to income minus income-related expenses.
However, the Northeim District, as the provider of integration assistance – or the local support centers in the district – can provide further information.
The rules governing youth welfare apply to the use of income and assets for integration assistance for children and young people with mental disabilities. Here too, betanet provides useful information under Integration assistance for children and young people with mental disabilities.
Integration assistance offers many opportunities for people with disabilities. It ensures that the focus is not on limitations, but on people with their abilities, desires, and goals. Whether in day-to-day life, at work, or in your free time—with the right services, you can live with dignity, independence, and participate in society.
