Care allowance in Germany: What you need to know and how much there is!

Care allowance in Germany: What you need to know and how much there is!

People in need of care in Germany receive support through care allowance if they are cared for at home by relatives, friends or volunteers. Loud Mercury This money is not earmarked, but some requirements must be observed in order not to lose the connection. Among other things, the care allowance can be canceled if no appropriate home care is provided, which is considered improper use.

The classic uses for the care allowance include the remuneration of caring relatives, the payment of household help and care for the elderly on an hourly basis. Important information is that investments or leisure activities that are not related to care should not be financed with care allowance. In addition, care allowance and care benefits in kind cannot be combined unless the care mainly takes place at home.

Nursing care insurance benefits

Nursing care insurance in Germany offers a variety of benefits that are often only granted upon application. These services are provided by Consumer advice center provided as benefits in kind by statutory nursing care funds, private insurance companies and aid agencies. It is important to know that private health insurance companies must offer services that comply with legal regulations.

Nursing care insurance often only covers a portion of the actual costs of nursing care. Those in need of care should therefore also expect their own financial expenses. If you have financial need, you can also apply for care assistance benefits, which must be checked by social welfare providers.

Levels of care and services

Levels of care were defined to classify the need for care. Those in need of care can decide for themselves which assistance they would like to receive, as long as the need for care is guaranteed. Respective amounts of care allowance are paid out for the different levels of care:

The care allowance was increased by 4.5 percent in January 2025 to cover increasing needs. People in need of care in care levels 2 to 5 who are cared for by relatives can also be entitled to a change between care allowance and care benefits in kind, provided they do not receive these in full. Furthermore, those in need of care in outpatient residential groups receive an additional residential group surcharge.

Various subsidies and support services are also provided for those in need of care. Care levels 2 to 5 are entitled to a relief amount of 131 euros per month, which can be used to reimburse certain costs. Offers such as short-term and preventive care are temporarily available to relieve the burden on relatives and carers.

Finally, it should be noted that applying for nursing care insurance benefits and understanding the rules for nursing care allowance are crucial for ensuring care. Those affected should inform themselves early so that they can take the necessary steps.