Question 1

How much care allowance do I receive per month?

Accepted Answer

The care allowance depends on the care level. Care Level 1 receives no cash allowance, Care Level 2 gets €332, Care Level 3 receives €573, Care Level 4 gets €765, and Care Level 5 receives €947 per month. Additionally, all care levels are entitled to the €125 monthly relief amount and €40 for care consumables.

Question 2

What is the difference between care allowance and professional care benefits?

Accepted Answer

Care allowance (Pflegegeld) is a cash benefit paid directly to the care recipient, usually passed on to family caregivers as recognition. Professional care benefits (Sachleistungen) are paid directly to licensed care services providing professional care at home. The professional care amounts are higher than the cash allowance since professional care is more expensive.

Question 3

What are combined benefits and when are they worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

Combined benefits (Kombileistung) mix cash allowance and professional care. If you use 60% of professional care benefits for a care service, you still receive 40% of the cash allowance. This is worthwhile when you need some professional help but family members also provide care. The total from combined benefits is usually higher than cash allowance alone.

Question 4

How do I apply for a care level?

Accepted Answer

Submit an informal application to your care insurance fund (part of your health insurance). They commission the MDK (Medical Service) for an in-home assessment. The assessor evaluates six life areas using the NBA system. Based on the total score, the care level is determined. The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Question 5

What benefits am I entitled to with Care Level 1?

Accepted Answer

Care Level 1 doesn’t include cash allowance or professional care benefits, but still offers important support: the €125 monthly relief amount, care consumables (€40/month), a home modification subsidy (up to €4,000), free care counseling, and access to caregiver training courses.

Question 6

What is respite care and who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

Respite care (Verhinderungspflege) steps in when the primary caregiver is temporarily unavailable — due to vacation, illness, or personal appointments. From Care Level 2, an annual budget of €1,612 is available for substitute care by other persons or care services. The requirement is that the caregiver has been providing care for at least 6 months.

Question 7

Can I accumulate the monthly relief amount?

Accepted Answer

Yes, unused relief amounts can be saved within a calendar year. Additionally, remaining amounts from the previous year can still be used until June 30 of the following year. This means up to €1,500 (12 × €125) can accumulate, which can be used for day or night care, short-term care, ambulatory care services, or recognized everyday support services.

Question 8

How do I prepare for the MDK assessment?

Accepted Answer

Keep a care diary for at least two weeks documenting all care activities and their duration. During the appointment, show the actual care needs — don’t downplay anything. Have a trusted person present who knows the daily care routine. Have all relevant medical reports, medication plans, and hospital discharge summaries ready.

Question 9

Is care allowance offset against social welfare?

Accepted Answer

No, care allowance is not counted as income for social welfare or Bürgergeld, as it is earmarked for ensuring care. The care allowance is meant to recognize voluntary care by family members or other non-commercial caregivers. However, in the case of residential care, the care allowance may be offset against nursing home costs.

Question 10

Which care consumables does the insurance cover?

Accepted Answer

The care insurance covers up to €40 per month for consumable care products such as disposable gloves, disinfectant, bed protectors, face masks, and protective aprons. Additionally, technical care aids such as care beds, wheelchairs, and positioning aids are provided on loan or with a small co-payment. For consumables, there are often practical care boxes available by subscription.

Guide: Care Allowance Calculator

German Care Allowance 2026: Benefits, Care Levels & Eligibility — Complete Guide

How to Apply for a Care Level in Germany: Step-by-Step Guide

Combined Care Benefits: How to Optimize Cash and In-kind Benefits

Respite Care & Short-term Care: How to Use Your Budget Wisely

MDK Assessment: How to Prepare for Your Care Level Evaluation

Home Modifications for Care: Subsidies, Renovations & Applications