Participation plan and overall plan: how benefits are planned

Legal status: 08.10.2026 (federal law, checked against the statutory text). In June 2026 the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs presented recommendations for simplifying the overall plan procedure; they are not law. Context: Integration assistance: federal government, states and municipalities present recommendations for simplification. Legal terms are translated here for understanding; the German wording of the law is what counts.

Right to express wishes and choose

In deciding on the benefits and in carrying them out, the justified wishes of those entitled are granted. In doing so, personal circumstances such as age, sex, family and religious needs are taken into account; particular attention is paid to the needs of parents with disabilities and children with disabilities. ^{[1, para. 1]} If the rehabilitation provider does not grant wishes, it must give reasons. Benefits in kind can be granted as a cash benefit on application if they can thereby probably be provided at the same effectiveness at least equally economically (see Personal budget). ^{[1, para. 2]} Participation benefits require the consent of those entitled. ^{[1, para. 4]}

Participation plan

If benefits from different benefit groups or from several rehabilitation providers are required, the responsible provider coordinates the benefits and documents them so that they mesh seamlessly. ^{[2, para. 1]} The participation plan records, among other things, the date of application, responsibility, the rehabilitation need, verifiable participation goals, the right to express wishes and choose and the particular concerns of family carers. ^{[2, para. 2]} The plan is adapted to the course; those entitled can request to inspect it. ^{[2, para. 3]}

Overall plan procedure and overall plan

The overall plan procedure of integration assistance provides, among other things, for the involvement of the person entitled, documenting their wishes, determining the individual need and an overall plan conference. ^{[3, para. 1]} On request, a person you trust is involved. ^{[3, para. 2]} Where there are indications of a need for care, the responsible bodies are informed with your consent and involved in an advisory capacity; for minors, the local provider of youth welfare is to be informed and involved in an advisory capacity, with possible exceptions where there is a risk of delay. ^{[3, paras 3, 6]}

The integration assistance provider draws up an overall plan without delay after the benefits have been determined. ^{[4, para. 1]} It serves to steer, monitor the effect of and document the participation process, is to be drawn up in writing and should be reviewed and updated regularly, at the latest every two years. ^{[4, para. 2]} The provider gives the person entitled a copy of the overall plan. ^{[4, para. 5]} The contents of the plan include, among other things, the activities of the person entitled, the resources available and the rights to express wishes and choose. ^{[4, para. 4]}

What you can do in practice

• Name your wishes and put them in writing, for example what support should look like and what matters to you (suggestion from the editorial team).
• Bring a person you trust: On your request they are involved in the overall plan procedure. ^[3]
• Ask for documents: You can request to inspect the participation plan and you receive the overall plan. ^{[2; 4]}
• Use advice: Finding independent advice: what the EUTB does
• If you disagree with a decision notice: Applying and filing an objection

What this article does not explain

Not covered are the overall plan conference in detail, the states’ needs assessment instruments, responsibility in the individual case and the rules on deadlines and costs. Responsibilities: Understanding the support system; benefits: Integration assistance under SGB IX.

Sources and literature

1. § 8 SGB IX – Wunsch- und Wahlrecht der Leistungsberechtigten (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9_2018/__8.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)
2. § 19 SGB IX – Teilhabeplan (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9_2018/__19.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)
3. § 117 SGB IX – Gesamtplanverfahren (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9_2018/__117.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)
4. § 121 SGB IX – Gesamtplan (www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_9_2018/__121.html). – Statute (German federal law, in German)