Anyone who needs support with housing, everyday life or social participation because of autism depends on services that fit their own life. It is precisely this principle that disability and welfare associations see endangered by the planned reform of integration assistance (Eingliederungshilfe) in Germany. In a joint position paper of 9 October 2026, they warn of cuts to individual support. Such cuts have not been decided so far.
Why integration assistance is to be reformed
The federal government, the federal states and the municipalities have been discussing for some time how integration assistance can be organised more simply and delivered more economically. In June, the Federal Ministry of Labour concluded a dialogue process. In addition there is a decision by the federal government and the federal states of 25 June 2026, which provides, among other things, for savings and a more efficient use of public funds.
Municipalities are under pressure over social spending. Simpler procedures could genuinely help those affected and the authorities. What is disputed, however, is whether the proposed changes that have become known so far would merely reduce bureaucracy or would also restrict support in individual cases. According to the German Association for Rehabilitation (Deutsche Vereinigung für Rehabilitation), the proposals that became known at the beginning of October had not yet been agreed between the federal ministries.
The German Disability Council (Deutscher Behindertenrat), Liga Selbstvertretung, the Federal Association of Independent Welfare (BAGFW) and the specialist associations for people with disabilities therefore demand that necessary services continue to be based on individual need.
Lump-sum cash benefits could replace individual support
One point of dispute is lump-sum cash benefits. According to the proposals under discussion, such lump sums could be used more often in future. Instead of individually agreed support, a fixed amount would then be available for certain services.
This does not always have to be a disadvantage. For some people, a lump sum can make it easier to organise suitable help. The associations warn, however, that the amount may not be sufficient where support needs are high or complex. They see the idea that those affected would have to actively object to a lump sum in order to receive another form of help as particularly critical.
For people with autism, the support need can vary greatly. A lump sum does not, for example, automatically reflect whether someone occasionally needs help with organisation or regularly depends on qualified assistance. More about existing entitlements is explained in our knowledge article on integration assistance under SGB IX.
Shared assistance is to become the rule more often
The shared provision of assistance services is also under discussion. In so-called pooling, one support worker assists several people. This can make sense in certain situations, for example when a group needs the same support.
The associations fear, however, that shared help will become the rule in future and that individual assistance will be harder to obtain. This is not only about school or day care, but also about social participation services. Someone who needs support at different times or in very personal situations cannot simply be referred to shared care.
The proposed provisions have not been decided yet. Under the existing legal position, even for services provided jointly it must be examined whether they are suitable and reasonable in the specific case.
The choice of housing and support is at the centre
Another conflict concerns the right to express wishes and choose (Wunsch- und Wahlrecht). People with disabilities are meant to have a say in shaping their services and in choosing suitable forms of housing and support. At present, section 104 SGB IX provides that wishes are taken into account within the statutory requirements.
In the associations’ view, stricter rules on costs, appropriateness and reasonableness could weaken this right. They also warn of stronger powers for the benefit providers to steer the allocation of housing places. Whether and in what form such proposals will be implemented is open.
If other funding bodies do not pay, gaps threaten
The planned reorganisation of the subsidiarity principle (Nachranggrundsatz) is particularly sensitive. According to the proposals under discussion, integration assistance is in future to be able to refer more strongly to entitlements against other benefit providers. The associations fear that those affected would thereby be stuck between different offices even though the necessary help is not yet being provided.
For people with autism and their families, such a question of responsibility would be more than an administrative problem. If several offices each point to the other’s responsibility, important support can be delayed. The position paper therefore demands that the priority of other benefits must not lead to gaps in provision.
Which services can affect people with autism
Integration assistance can include, among other things, assistance with independent living, social contacts, leisure activities or participation in education and work. An autism diagnosis alone does not automatically lead to a particular entitlement. What matters are the statutory requirements and the actual individual need.
For children and young people with a mental disability or an impending mental disability, integration assistance under section 35a SGB VIII often comes into consideration. For many adults, by contrast, integration assistance under SGB IX is what applies. The current reform debates concern different laws and must therefore not be equated.
How individual support is to be planned and coordinated is explained in our article on the participation plan and overall plan.
What those affected should bear in mind now
Because of the position paper or the reform proposals, people with autism do not currently have to reapply for ongoing services. Existing entitlements do not lapse solely because of a political announcement. Anyone who needs support should therefore not postpone a necessary application.
It is important to present one’s own need as concretely as possible and to have decisions given in writing. If services are refused or reduced, the decision notice, the reasons and the applicable deadlines should be examined promptly. Our guide Applying for benefits and filing an objection offers initial orientation.
Independent advice can also help to clarify responsibilities and possible entitlements. Information on this can be found in our knowledge article on supplementary independent participation counselling.
The reform is still open
The associations are not opposed to simpler procedures in principle. They expressly welcome the aim of simplifying needs assessment and reducing differences between the federal states. They do, however, reject changes through which necessary help in the end no longer reaches the individual person.
Whether the recommendations and proposals so far will become a law with corresponding restrictions has not yet been settled. For people with autism and their families, what therefore remains decisive is whether individual needs assessment, the right to express wishes and choose, and access to suitable support are retained.
Sources
German Disability Council, Liga Selbstvertretung, BAGFW and specialist associations for people with disabilities. Joint position paper on integration assistance. 9 October 2026 (in German).
Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Conclusion of the integration assistance dialogue process. 12 June 2026 (in German).
German Association for Rehabilitation. Proposed changes to SGB IX and reactions of the associations. 15 October 2026 (in German).
Gesetze im Internet. Section 90 SGB IX, Section 99 SGB IX, Section 104 SGB IX and Section 117 SGB IX (statute texts in German).
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