What is integration assistance?

The telephone number is: 0800-881 1882. You can call on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Integration assistance ist eine staatliche Unterstützung für Menschen mit Behinderung. Ziel ist es, ihnen ein selbstbestimmtes Leben zu ermöglichen und ihre Teilhabe am gesellschaftlichen Leben zu fördern. Ob Wohnen, Arbeiten, Bildung oder Freizeit – die Hilfe wird individuell angepasst und orientiert sich an den persönlichen Bedürfnissen.

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.

What services are available?

The telephone number is: 0800-881 1882. You can call on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Integration assistance covers various areas of daily life. These include, for example:

• Assistance in day-to-day life, e.g., with cooking, shopping, or mobility
• Assistance in school or work, for example through school assistants or work assistants
• Residential options such as assisted living or support in your own home
• Encouraging social interaction, e.g., accompanying individuals to leisure activities or cultural events

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.

Who is entitled to integration assistance?

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.

How does the application process work?

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.

Example: New opportunities for Jonas

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.

Consideration of income and assets

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.

Conclusion: Live more independently with integration assistance

The telephone number is: 0800-881 1882. You can call on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Integration assistance bietet Menschen mit Behinderung viele Chancen. Sie sorgt dafür, dass nicht die Einschränkung im Vordergrund steht, sondern der Mensch mit seinen Fähigkeiten, Wünschen und Zielen. Ob Alltag, Beruf oder Freizeit – mit den passenden Leistungen kann ein Leben in Würde, Selbstständigkeit und Teilhabe gelingen.