Finding independent advice: what the EUTB does

Legal status: 08.10.2026 (federal law, checked against the statutory text). Legal terms are translated here for understanding; the German wording of the law is what counts.

What the supplementary independent participation advice service is

The law describes the EUTB as a service to strengthen the self-determination of people with disabilities and people threatened by disability. The advice is independent of benefit providers and service providers and is intended as a low-threshold service that can be used even before concrete benefits are applied for. ^[1] The rehabilitation providers inform about this service within their advice structures and their duty to advise. ^[1] The responsible authority for implementation is the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, which can transfer the tasks to third parties. ^[1]

What it advises on

The EUTB extends to information and advice on rehabilitation and participation benefits under SGB IX. ^[1] That can mean, for example: which benefits there are, how you prepare an application and which body is the first point of contact. On the process after the application: Applying and filing an objection.

Advice by those affected for those affected

When advice services are funded, under the law the supplementary advice that is independent of benefit providers and service providers and given by those affected for those affected is to be given particular consideration. ^[1]

Other advice centres

Regardless of the EUTB, you are entitled to advice from the rehabilitation providers themselves. ^[1] Other advice centres, such as care advice, youth welfare office, self-help groups or autism advice centres, are not described individually in this article. An overview of who is responsible for what: Understanding the support system.

What else you should know

• You do not need an application to get advice. The service is available in advance. ^[1]
• Independent means: The advice is not tied to a benefit provider that will later decide on your application. ^[1]
• Specific advice centres near you can be found via the services the Ministry funds; the law names no individual centres. Find out on the Ministry’s pages or ask your municipality.
• Advice does not replace legal advice in an individual case.

Sources and literature

1. § 32 SGB IX – Ergänzende unabhängige Teilhabeberatung (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9_2018/__32.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)