Benefits for participation in working life (Vocational rehabilitation, LTA (Leistungen zur Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben), Training through the pension insurance): Benefits for participation in working life (Leistungen zur Teilhabe am Arbeitsleben), often called vocational rehabilitation, are intended to maintain or restore the ability to work of people with health restrictions. They also include vocational training (section 49 SGB IX).
What they include
The benefits include, among other things, help to keep or obtain a job, vocational preparation, vocational adaptation and further training, and initial vocational training (section 49 (3) SGB IX). The choice takes into account aptitude, inclination, previous work and the situation on the labour market (section 49 (4) SGB IX).
Who is responsible
Rehabilitation providers can include the Federal Employment Agency and the German pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung), among others (section 6 SGB IX). The pension insurance is responsible if its insurance requirements are met, for example the qualifying period of 15 years or receipt of a reduced earning capacity pension (section 11 SGB VI). According to the pension insurance, the qualifying period is the requirement most frequently met. You can also submit the application to health insurance funds and local insurance offices (Versicherungsämter).
Money during the measure
The pension insurance covers the costs of the benefits; according to the pension insurance, there are no co-payments. During the measure, transitional allowance (Übergangsgeld) can be paid (section 20 SGB VI). According to the pension insurance, full-time training is generally limited to two years.
In practice: an example
After a slipped disc, an electrician can no longer work on building sites. He has paid into the pension insurance for over 15 years. He applies for benefits for participation in working life, with a medical report from his doctor. The pension insurance checks whether training for an occupation without heavy physical work is an option and discusses this with him. We help him find suitable courses for this conversation.
How we help you
We clarify with you which funding route fits your situation and look for an approved course in our course finder. All funding routes at a glance are on our funding page, and you can request an appointment here.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do training through the pension insurance?
Yes, if you can no longer work in your occupation for health reasons and the insurance requirements are met. The pension insurance checks this on application.
What if I do not meet the 15-year qualifying period?
The pension insurance may still be responsible, for example directly after medical rehabilitation (section 11 (2a) SGB VI), or another rehabilitation provider, for example the employment agency.
Are AZAV courses suitable for vocational rehabilitation?
The rehabilitation provider decides this in the individual case. We work out with you which courses are an option for your application.
Related terms
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
- Section 49 SGB IX: Benefits for participation in working lifeFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 6 SGB IX: Rehabilitation providersFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 11 SGB VI: Insurance requirementsFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 16 SGB VI: Benefits for participation in working lifeFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 20 SGB VI: Transitional allowanceFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Vocational rehabilitation (Berufliche Rehabilitation)German pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung)
Note: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Whether you receive funding is decided in each individual case by the responsible office, for example the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), the job centre or the pension insurance. As of 08.11.2026.