Public legal information and mediation service
Arbitration board under the Hamburg Disability Equality Act (HmbBGG) at the Public Legal Information Office

Do you feel discriminated against by a public authority in Hamburg because of your disability? The arbitration board under the Hamburg Disability Equality Act (HmbBGG) is responsible for settling disputes out of court.

Detailed description

The arbitration board under the Hamburg Disability Equality Act (HmbBGG) will help you if you, as a person with a disability, feel disadvantaged by an authority or a public company in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

The task of the arbitration board is to find a solution to the conflict together with you and the authority or public company concerned. The arbitration board is independent and impartial. The procedure is always carried out in writing. The arbitration board offers you barrier-free communication. The chairmen of the arbitration board are fully qualified lawyers with experience in dispute resolution and mediation procedures. The arbitration board is open to all people with disabilities and certain associations entitled to bring collective action. You must apply for the arbitration board to act on your behalf.

Information

Important notes

Prerequisites

You are a private individual and have a disability or
You are an association entitled to bring collective action
You feel disadvantaged by authorities or public companies in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Documents required

Application form
declaration of consent to data processing

Please note

If the arbitration board is not responsible for your matter, an attempt will be made to refer you to the right place. (Referral advice)

The arbitration procedure is not a substitute for an objection or a lawsuit. It is an additional offer of how you can proceed in the event of a perceived violation of law. If you have any questions about the deadlines for legal remedies, you can ask the arbitration board.

You can withdraw the procedure at any time free of charge and without giving reasons.

Deadlines

Procedure & Fees

Procedure

You fill out the application form and submit it to the arbitration board together with the necessary documents.
The arbitration board will examine your application and the documents.
You will receive a confirmation of receipt from the arbitration board.
If necessary, the arbitration board will ask you questions to help you understand the matter better. It is important that you provide at least one contact option (postal or email address or telephone number) in your application.
The arbitration procedure is usually carried out in writing. If a joint discussion is necessary, the arbitration board will contact you.
The conciliation body informs the public authority concerned about the conflict.
The public authority concerned is given the opportunity to comment on the matter within a certain period of time and can also declare the dispute settled during this time.
If the dispute cannot be declared settled, the arbitration board will try to find a solution together with you and the public authority.
If you cannot reach an agreement with the other party, the conciliation board can make a conciliation proposal.
If you and the public body concerned accept the proposal, the conciliation procedure ends. The result is recorded in writing.
If the conciliation proposal is not accepted by you and/or the body concerned, you will receive a written certificate confirming the failure of the conciliation procedure.

Processing time

The arbitration procedure shall not last longer than three months.

Fees

Legal notes

Legal remedies

There is no legal remedy for the outcome of the arbitration procedure.

Legal basis

§ 13a Hamburg Disability Equality Act (HmbBGG)

https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-GleichstbMGHA2020pP13a

§ 9 Ordinance on the Public Legal Information and Conciliation Office (ÖRA Ordinance)

https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-%C3%96RAuskStVHA2011V3P9

Address and contact information