According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), almost eight million severely disabled people live in Germany. A degree of disability of 100 represents the greatest possible severe disability.

Anyone who is classified as severely disabled with a grade of 100 can apply to the state for special grants, benefits and tax relief. People with a degree of more than 50 are considered severely disabled and are entitled to a severely disabled person's pass as well as certain "disadvantage compensation" These are regulated by the so-called Federal Supply Act.