The German Federal Government has presented, once again, its definitions and positions on the ascertainment of requirements, the term “disability” and the personal budget. The government advocates the development of a standardized federal method to ascertain requirements. Currently, there are innumerable methods in existence that are hardly compatible with each other.

The government stated that funding agencies have considerable experience in determining the individual requirements. Since support requirements can only be determined individually for each person and not for groups, the Federal Government does not see the necessity to differentiate the official statistics on disabled persons.

The government also sees no reason for a revision of the term “disability” as described in German Social Code Book Nine. Besides, the term used in the Social Codes implements the main contents of the ICF concept. The ICF states that disability must not only bee seen from a medical point of view. Social circumstances also play an important role when it comes to disability.

The Federal Government clearly stated that it is against financing the counsel for people who wish to use the personal budget. Supposedly, funding agencies and joint service points are bound by law to offer this counsel free of charge. Besides, organizations for disabled people also provide the consultation free of charge. Thus, an additional form of financing counsel before the application for the personal budget is handed in, is not deemed necessary.