Rhineland-Palatinate Social Court: Integration assistance does not have to cover the costs of a private flexible distance-learning school
In its decision of May 21, 2026 (Case No. L 4 SO 29/26 B ER), the Rhineland-Palatinate State Social Court further clarified the scope of benefits for participation in education under Sections 75 and 112 of SGB IX. The court clarifies that integration assistance is not required to cover the costs of a private flexible distance learning school, even if a child with a disability is currently unable to attend regular school classes for health reasons.
In the court’s view, integration assistance covers only supportive services for participation in education, such as school assistance, technical aids, or transportation services. The actual provision of school education and its financing, however, fall within the responsibility of the state school system. The LSG expressly rejects the idea of acting as a “backup” for shortcomings in the school system.
The decision has significant practical implications for providers of integration assistance, particularly in cases of ME/CFS, Long COVID, autism spectrum disorders, or other situations where individualized or digital forms of schooling are required. At the same time, the court points out that responsibility for providing suitable educational opportunities remains with the state and the school authorities.
You can find the full article with a detailed analysis of the decision and its implications for the practice of integration assistance here.