External Partners in WHP
Which external partners support WHP — and what do they specifically offer?
Note: reflects German law. Berufsgenossenschaften offer free training and prevention consulting; health insurance funds support WHP projects under § 20b SGB V — as a sum for a measure or an annual budget, with no entitlement and not per head; Deutsche Rentenversicherung supports phased reintegration and rehabilitation.
External Partners and Their Services
| Partner | Core Service | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Berufsgenossenschaft | Free first-aid and safety officer training, prevention consulting | SGB VII |
| Health insurance fund | WHP project funding (sum per measure or annual budget, no entitlement), consulting, GBPsych support | § 20b SGB V |
| Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance) | Phased reintegration, rehabilitation services | SGB VI, Hamburg Model |
How are Berufsgenossenschaften funded — and what do they offer in return?
Berufsgenossenschaften are the providers of Germany's statutory accident insurance and are funded through employers' contributions. In return, they offer free services: training first responders and safety officers, consulting on occupational safety questions, and grants for prevention measures. It pays to use these offerings deliberately — they are already paid for through accident insurance contributions.
Are companies entitled to funding from a health insurance fund?
No. Under German law, § 20b SGB V gives the statutory health insurance funds the task of providing workplace health promotion — this does not create an entitlement for the company. What gets funded are projects: a single measure, a health day for a few thousand euros, or an annual budget (e.g. €5,000), not a fixed amount per employee. Funds often add free consulting and support with psychosocial risk assessments (GBPsych). Conditions vary between funds, so it's worth asking directly with whichever fund covers the largest share of your workforce.
How does the Deutsche Rentenversicherung help?
Germany's pension insurer (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, DRV) supports phased reintegration after extended illness (the Hamburg Model) and services that support continued participation in working life. These services often come into play alongside workplace reintegration management (BEM), when an immediate full return to the original position isn't possible.
Key takeaways
- Berufsgenossenschaften offer free training — already funded through accident insurance.
- Health insurance funds support WHP projects under § 20b SGB V — as a project sum, not per head, with no entitlement.
- DRV supports reintegration under the Hamburg Model.
- Use external offerings deliberately — Berufsgenossenschaft services are already paid for through contributions.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to pay for BG training ourselves?+
No. First-aid and safety officer training is funded by the Berufsgenossenschaft — it's already covered through accident insurance contributions.
Which health insurance fund gives us the most WHP funding?+
§ 20b SGB V gives all statutory health insurance funds the task of providing workplace health promotion — this does not create an entitlement for the company, and conditions vary. The most effective approach: contact directly whichever fund covers the largest share of your workforce.
What is the Hamburg Model?+
A process for phased reintegration after extended illness: the employee initially works reduced hours and gradually increases them, supported by the DRV or health insurance fund, until they reach full capacity.
Systematically Use Funding Opportunities
EasyWHP shows which measures may qualify for funding and keeps track of applications and deadlines.
Sources
Last updated: 2026-07-06. Not legal or tax advice — have your specific case reviewed by a professional.