Prien is planning new care allowance: up to 1,800 euros for relatives!

Prien is planning new care allowance: up to 1,800 euros for relatives!

The new Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) is planning to introduce a care allowance for caring relatives, which will be based on the existing parental allowance. This reform is part of a larger approach to improve the financial situation of carers and address the challenges in the care industry. There are currently around five million people in need of care in Germany, and forecasts say that this number could rise to 5.6 to 7.6 million by 2055, with the aging of society playing a key role. Loud Destatis In 2023, around 5.69 million people in Germany were in need of care.

The care industry is under pressure: a shortage of skilled workers and high workloads are putting a strain on care facilities. Over 80% of those in need of care are cared for at home, which not only represents an immense responsibility for the relatives, but also a challenge for the German healthcare system. At the moment, those in need of care from care level 2 receive a care allowance of 347 to 990 euros per month, which can be paid to the person caring for them.

Reform proposals for a new care allowance

Karin Prien's proposals for the new care allowance stipulate that caring relatives can receive 65% of their last net income, but at least 300 euros and a maximum of 1,800 euros per month. An average earner could therefore receive a care allowance of around 1,750 euros, while low earners receive correspondingly less. The advantage of this arrangement is that the money is paid directly to the relatives and could act as a wage replacement, which could secure the financial existence of the carers.

However, the financing of the new care allowance remains unclear. Prien emphasizes that it depends on the economic situation, while at the same time pointing out that care allowance is not a top priority. First, other social projects, such as promoting equal opportunities for children and young people, would have to be pushed forward.

Future challenges

The number of people in need of care in Germany has increased significantly in recent years. The number of people in need of care rose from 2.02 million in December 1999 to 5.69 million in December 2023. What is particularly noteworthy is the fact that the risk of needing care increases sharply with age; While around 11% of 70 to 74 year olds are in need of care, this figure is already 87% of those over 90 years old.

With the predicted increase in the number of people in need of care, the need for care will also increase in the coming years. A well-planned care allowance could not only relieve relatives, but also reduce the pressure on the entire care system by requiring fewer skilled workers. Technological developments could also help to increase the efficiency of care work in order to accommodate both those in need of care and their relatives.