Duisburg teacher on sick leave for 17 years sues to avoid pensioning

A teacher in Duisburg has been on sick leave for 17 years while continuing to receive a full monthly salary paid from the state budget, a sum that falls “between 5.051 and 6.174 euros gross” under the German pay grades for education staff. Instead of accepting retirement after a medical review, she has launched legal action to block a decision that would cut her pay.

The woman, now 62, taught at a vocational school in Wesel from 2003 until 2009. She began a medical leave in 2009 citing psychological problems and never returned to the classroom. Local administration and school oversight later proved weak: the current headteacher reportedly did not even know the name of the long‑absent employee.

Legal fight and continued payments

After a medical assessment by an occupational doctor found her unfit to work for the following six months, provincial authorities in Düsseldorf moved at the end of May to retire her on grounds of incapacity. The teacher opposed that decision and, through her lawyer, filed a complaint with the Administrative Court in Düsseldorf.

"We can confirm that the named teacher has filed a lawsuit against the pensioning decision. The lawsuit was received on 29 June 2026," a court spokesperson said. Thanks to procedural rules, her full professor's salary will continue to be paid from the state budget until the court case is finally resolved, meaning each additional month of litigation prolongs the payments.

Authorities estimate that a move into pension would reduce her monthly income by "between 1.500 and 2.000 euros gross." Meanwhile, prosecutors in Duisburg have opened a wide‑ranging investigation after allegations that during the long sick leave the teacher ran a private business and practised as an alternative therapist.

Police have already searched the suspect’s apartment and seized computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment; investigators are now analysing the devices for possible evidence of undeclared work or benefit fraud. While the criminal probe and the administrative lawsuit continue, the teacher continues to receive her full salary despite not having returned to work in 17 years.

Photo: press material from the event