Guide
Conversion entitlement
From care level 2, part of your in-kind care benefit can pay for help at home. Amounts, a worked example and next steps at a glance.
The most important facts in plain language
Here we explain important words about care. One example is the care level. It is a number from 1 to 5. It says how much help you are entitled to. We help you with the application. Call us on 07121 159 10 58.
Care Guide & Benefits
Care level, relief allowance, respite care: there are many terms around long term care and even more forms. Here we explain the most important basics in plain language. If you cannot find something, simply call us, our advice is free.
Guides
Explained in detail, step by step: answers to the questions families ask us most often.
Guide
Household help without a care level
Health insurance instead of care insurance: when you can get household help without a care level, after surgery, during serious illness or in pregnancy.
Guide
Free household help
Care fund or health insurance: there are five routes through which insurance pays for household help. We show which one suits you and when you still pay a share.
Guide
Saving up the relief allowance
Balances from 2025 have expired, while amounts from 2026 can be used until 30 June 2027 under current law. How to keep track.
Guide
Applying for household help after surgery
From the medical certificate to billing: how to apply to your health insurance fund for household help after an operation, with a checklist of documents.
Guide
Applying for a care level
From the first call to your care fund to the decision: how to apply for a care level and prepare well for the assessment.
Guide
Respite care by the hour
A free afternoon or your own doctor's appointment: how family carers can use respite care by the hour and the combined annual budget of up to 3,539 euros.
Guide
Checklist: do my parents need help?
Overflowing letterbox, empty fridge, cancelled visits: our checklist helps you recognise signs that your parents need support and start the conversation gently.
The five care levels
The care level determines how much support you are entitled to. It is assessed by the medical service based on your independence in everyday life. Applications are made informally to your care fund and we are happy to help.
- 1
Care level 1: minor impairment. Entitlement to the relief allowance of 131 euros per month.
- 2
Care level 2: considerable impairment. Additionally care allowance, care benefits in kind, respite and short term care.
- 3
Care level 3: severe impairment. Higher benefit rates in all areas.
- 4
Care level 4: most severe impairment.
- 5
Care level 5: most severe impairment with special care requirements.
The relief allowance under § 45b SGB XI
Everyone from care level 1 receives 131 euros per month for everyday support services. Our service is officially recognised for exactly this purpose. You do not need to submit a separate application, we bill your care fund directly. Unused funds do not expire immediately but can be used until 30 June of the following year.
Respite care and short term care
From care level 2 you are entitled to up to 3,539 euros per year as a combined annual budget for respite and short term care (§ 42a SGB XI). This can fund hourly care when family carers need a break. We support you with the application.
Household help in case of illness under § 38 SGB V
After surgery, an accident or during serious illness your health insurance fund covers household help, usually for four to 26 weeks. This normally requires a medical certificate and an application to the fund. We are happy to assist.
Household help during pregnancy under § 24h SGB V
During premature labour, medically prescribed bed rest and after birth your health insurance fund covers household help in full, for as long as needed. We bill your fund directly.
How to obtain your benefit
- 1
Call or write to us, we check your entitlement free of charge.
- 2
We tell you exactly which documents your fund requires.
- 3
You submit the application and we help you fill it in.
- 4
Once approved we start, and billing runs directly through your fund.
Further information
The Pflegelotse service of the German substitute health funds offers an independent overview of care services near you.
Information as of July 2026. The amounts stated correspond to the statutory rates valid at that time. This overview does not replace legal advice.
Talk to us, with no obligation
We advise you free of charge, check what your fund will cover and tell you honestly what is possible. Call us or send us a message.