Government office
Funding through a government office
In Germany, different government offices may be responsible for your application, such as the Federal Employment Agency, the Social Welfare Office (integration assistance), or the Integration Office. Christian Au, LL.M., attorney-at-law and certified specialist in social law, recommends keeping the following in mind:
- The right funding provider: When applying for an assistive device for work, five different government offices may be responsible. Make sure you find out which one is responsible for your case.
- Everything in writing: Submit your application in writing and request confirmation of receipt. If your application is denied, make sure you receive the decision in writing as well.
- Document your situation: The workplace must already exist at the time of the application and the relevant barrier must be present. Include photos of the barrier with your application.
Below, we give you a concise overview of how the entire process works and what you need to keep in mind at each step.
Your journey to a Scewo wheelchair.
Ready, set, test drive.
Together, we’ll take your preferred wheelchair for a no-obligation test drive. We’ll be happy to come to your home so you can thoroughly test it in your familiar surroundings. Of course, you can also take a test drive with one of our partners. One of our experts will document your test drive in a trial report.
Free test drive
“Ding dong”—a visit from the responsible government office.
To be considered for funding through a government office, a specialist from the responsible office must first carry out an assessment of your (work) environment.
Make sure this assessment is documented as thoroughly as possible. For example, include photos of the challenges and obstacles you encounter at your workplace that prevent you from carrying out your work.
Off to the doctor.
After that, ask your doctor or specialist to issue a prescription for your wheelchair. We’ve put together a guide to help make sure nothing important is overlooked.
Guide BRO (GER) Guide GO (GER)
Off to the government office.
If you also use your wheelchair privately, you submit the funding application to the responsible government office. If you need it exclusively for work, your employer should submit the application. In Germany, there are generally five government offices that may be responsible depending on your individual circumstances.
- Federal Employment Agency: You have worked in employment subject to social insurance contributions for less than 15 years (also applies to people entering the workforce).
- German Pension Insurance: You have been insured for 15 years or more.
- Statutory accident insurance/employers’ liability insurance association: Your disability is the result of an occupational disease or work-related accident.
- Integration/Inclusion Office: You are officially recognized as severely disabled, and no other funding provider is responsible.
- Integration assistance: Your disability significantly limits your participation in society.
Important documents.
Your application should include the following documents: (1) medical prescription; (2) proof of recognized severe disability or equivalent status, if applicable; (3) description of your duties at work; (4) personal information such as your name, date of birth, educational qualifications, and work experience; (5) copy of your employment contract; (6) cost estimate.
It’s best to check with the responsible government office to find out which additional documents they require.
Decision day.
No later than five weeks after submitting your application, the government office must send you a decision.
Reason to celebrate: The responsible government office supports you with the financing:
- The government office covers the full cost.
- The government office covers part of the cost.*
*If a government office contributes to the cost of the wheelchair, the wheelchair becomes its property.
Unfortunately, no: It can happen that your funding provider decides not to provide financial support. Make sure you receive the rejection in writing from the government office.
If this happens with your application, you have the option to take legal action. However, in most cases, we do not recommend this, as proceedings can take up to three years.
If your application is denied, we’ll be happy to advise you on the next steps.
Full speed ahead with production.
As soon as we receive payment for your BRO, we get to work and build your very own Scewo wheelchair—Swiss made, of course.
Ta-da, your delivery is here.
The time has come: Your wheelchair is fully assembled, extensively tested, and adjusted to your individual needs. We’ll contact you to arrange a delivery appointment and provide comprehensive hands-on training on the day, so you’re fully prepared to get started.
Welcome to the Scewo Crew.
Congratulations! You’re now officially a member of the Scewo Crew.
Resources for the Scewo Crew
Repairs and maintenance.
For repairs and the recommended annual maintenance*, simply visit us or one of our partners.
*If your wheelchair was funded by the IV, you can have it serviced once a year. The costs are generally covered by the IV. Repairs and maintenance may be subject to charges in cases of intentional damage or for privately financed wheelchairs.
Free test drive
The best way to know is to try it.
Get free consultation from our team and sign up today for a no-obligation test drive at your home.