Apply for a severe disability card in Hamburg
Severe disability card (Schwerbehindertenausweis) in Hamburg: responsible is the Versorgungsamt Hamburg for everyone registered in Hamburg. The application to determine the disability goes online via Hamburg Service or on paper. The decision comes as a rule within six months («im Regelfall innerhalb von sechs Monaten»), the card then in 2 weeks, both free. Our help with filling in costs 59 euros.
Versorgungsamt Hamburg: figures and routes
- Responsible
- Versorgungsamt Hamburg, only for persons registered in HamburgAs of: 27.10.2026 · Sozialbehörde Hamburg
- Online application
- online service «Schwerbehindertenantrag» in Hamburg Service, informal also possibleAs of: 27.10.2026 · Hamburg Service
- Processing time
- decision as a rule within six months («im Regelfall»)As of: 27.10.2026 · Sozialbehörde Hamburg
- Card
- card from GdB 50 in 2 weeks, up to five years or unlimitedAs of: 27.10.2026 · Hamburg Service
All details (2)Show less
- Official fee
- no costs for determination and card
- Behördenfix fixed price
- €59 for help with filling in, the office charges nothing
How we help with the application
- 1First application or reissueFor a reissue with file number.
- 2List doctors and hospitalsWith dates of stay, reports as copies.
- 3Fill in the applicationWe fill it in together with you.
- 4Sign and sendYou submit it to the Versorgungsamt.
Apply yourself at the Versorgungsamt
The way without us, step by step
In Hamburg the department for determinations under severe disability law, the Versorgungsamt, is responsible for the whole city, but only for people registered in Hamburg. Anyone living e.g. in the district of Pinneberg turns to the office there.
- Online via the service «Schwerbehindertenantrag» in Hamburg Service; the Versorgungsamt explicitly offers the online application.
- An informal written application is also possible, but the office still requires the completed application form afterwards.
- List all treating doctors and hospitals with exact dates of stay and enclose existing reports as copies. According to the social affairs authority you do not have to get certificates issued specially.
- There is no application deadline. You can object to the determination decision; for the card the city also names a lawsuit at the administrative court. The legal basis is § 152 SGB IX.
- Costs compared: the Versorgungsamt charges nothing. With us the help with filling in costs 59 euros. We are not an authority, do not set a degree of disability and do not assess medical findings.
What belongs to the application
- The Versorgungsamt's application form, online or on paper.
- Existing determinations of a degree of disability, e.g. a pension notice.
More documents (4)Show less
- Medical documents and expert reports as copies, list of all doctors and hospitals.
- If represented, a power of attorney or the carer's ID document.
- From non-EU countries, proof of lawful residence in Germany.
- Passport photo from age 10, on the back name, date of birth and file number.
Hamburg: the card comes automatically if a photo is on file
A photo with the application saves the second step
If the Versorgungsamt already has a passport photo, it issues the severe disability card automatically once a degree of disability of at least 50 is determined. Otherwise you send the photo after the decision; according to the city the card then comes by post in 2 weeks. Name, date of birth and file number go on the back.
More about Hamburg (2)Show less
For the determination the social affairs authority states a usual case of six months. How long it takes in your case depends on how complete your details are and how quickly doctors and hospitals answer the request for findings. An expert evaluates the reports, only then is the decision issued.
Depending on the prospect of improvement, the card is valid for up to five years or without limit. On expiry, loss or change of important data you apply for a reissue, again with a passport photo. For people from non-EU countries with a temporary residence permit it is only valid as long as that permit.
Questions about the severe disability card in Hamburg
Can I apply for the severe disability card in Hamburg online?
Yes. The Versorgungsamt Hamburg offers the application to determine the disability online, via the service «Schwerbehindertenantrag» in Hamburg Service. An informal application is also possible; the office then needs the completed form afterwards. You apply for the card itself with a passport photo; if one is already on file, the office issues it automatically after the decision.
How long does the application at the Versorgungsamt Hamburg take?
According to the social affairs authority the decision is usually issued within six months. The time depends on how complete your details are and how quickly doctors and hospitals answer the request for findings. After a decision with a degree of disability of at least 50, issuing the card takes 2 weeks.
What does a severe disability card cost in Hamburg?
Nothing. According to the city there are no costs for determining the disability, and the card is free as well. Costs only arise if you use help that does not come from the office: at Behördenfix you pay 59 euros for help with filling in; the Versorgungsamt receives no fee from us.
Do I need certificates from my doctors for the application in Hamburg?
No. The social affairs authority writes that you do not have to get certificates issued. List all treating doctors, hospitals with exact date of stay and spa clinics, and enclose medical reports you already have as copies. The Versorgungsamt requests missing findings from the doctors itself to clarify the medical facts.
How long is the severe disability card valid in Hamburg?
Depending on the prospect of an improvement in health, up to five years or without limit. On expiry, loss, damage or change of important data you apply for a reissue with a passport photo. For people from non-EU countries with a temporary residence permit the card is only valid as long as the permit.
Official sources
- Hamburg Service – Feststellung einer Behinderung beantragen, read on 27.10.2026
- Hamburg Service – Schwerbehindertenausweis beantragen, read on 27.10.2026
- Sozialbehörde Hamburg – Fragen und Antworten zum Schwerbehindertenrecht, read on 27.10.2026
Reviewed by M. Gabal on 28.10.2026
Provided by Behördenfix (M. Gabal). Behördenfix helps fill in the application for the Versorgungsamt Hamburg. We are not an authority, do not give legal advice and do not assess your individual case.