Glossary
SPZ, ATZ, GdB, § 35a – applications and conversations are full of abbreviations that nobody explains. Here are the 16 most important ones.
These terms come from the glossary of the Mika Guide. They are deliberately short: just enough for you to know what is being talked about when you deal with an authority or a practice. What this means day to day is explained on the Everyday topics page. These terms describe the German system; in Austria, Switzerland and the United Kingdom the offices and procedures are called differently — what applies in your country is in the Benefits tab of the Mika Guide.
MD (Medizinischer Dienst / Medical Service)
The Medizinischer Dienst (Medical Service) carries out assessments on behalf of the health and long-term care insurers, for example when a Pflegegrad (care level) is involved. It was formerly known by the abbreviation MDK.
SPZ (Sozialpädiatrisches Zentrum / social-pediatric center)
A point of contact where doctors, psychologists, and therapists jointly examine and support children with developmental differences. The referral usually goes through the pediatrician (Kinderarzt).
KJP (Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie / child and adolescent psychiatry)
The specialty for the mental health of children and adolescents. Among other things, assessment and counseling take place here, either as an outpatient or in a clinic.
ATZ (Autismus-Therapie-Zentrum / autism therapy center)
A specialized facility that offers autism-specific support for children and families. Which service fits is discussed there on an individual basis.
EUTB (Ergänzende unabhängige Teilhabeberatung / supplementary independent participation counseling)
A free, independent counseling service on everything to do with disability, applications, and participation. It advises neutrally and in the family’s interest, not on behalf of an authority.
Eingliederungshilfe (integration assistance)
Services meant to enable people with a disability to take part in everyday life — for example a school aide (Schulbegleitung). It is applied for with the responsible provider, often the Jugendamt (youth welfare office) or Sozialamt (social welfare office).
§ 35a SGB VIII
The section of child and youth welfare law that governs Eingliederungshilfe (integration assistance) for children with a mental disability. Many applications rely on it, for instance for a school aide (Schulbegleitung).
GdB (Grad der Behinderung / degree of disability)
A number from 20 to 100 that indicates how strongly a disability affects everyday life. From a GdB of 50 on, a person is considered severely disabled and can receive a Schwerbehindertenausweis (severe-disability ID card).
Merkzeichen (disability markers)
Letters on the Schwerbehindertenausweis (severe-disability ID card) (for example G, aG, B, or H) that unlock certain compensations for disadvantages — for instance with travel or accompaniment. They are set out in the official assessment notice (Feststellungsbescheid).
Pflegegrad (care level)
A value from 1 to 5 that describes how much support a person needs in everyday life. It determines benefits from the long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) and is assigned after an assessment.
Verhinderungspflege (substitute care)
A benefit from the long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) that steps in when the caregiving person is unavailable for a while or needs a break. It can fund alternative care for that time.
Entlastungsbetrag (relief amount)
A monthly amount from the long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) from Pflegegrad (care level) 1 on, which can be used for services that provide relief in everyday life. It is reimbursed against receipts.
Nachteilsausgleich (compensation for disadvantages)
Adjustments that offset a disability-related disadvantage — at school, for example, more time or a quieter environment during exams. It is arranged individually with the school.
Schulbegleitung (school aide)
A person who supports a child in the school day so that they can take part in lessons. It is applied for through Eingliederungshilfe (integration assistance) and is based on the child’s needs.
Frühförderung (early-intervention support)
A service for younger children with developmental differences that brings various specialties together under one roof. Access often runs through the pediatrician (Kinderarzt) or an SPZ (social-pediatric center).
116117
The nationwide number of the Patientenservice run by the associations of statutory health insurance physicians — the on-call medical service for health questions outside of practice hours, and at the same time the appointment service (Terminservicestelle) that helps you get a specialist appointment. For acute emergencies, 112 still applies.
The explanations are general and are not legal advice. What applies in your case is decided by the responsible authority.
What’s next?
One term explained can raise the next question right away. Here is where to continue.