Applying for care allowance correctly – this is how it works
Long-term care allowance is one of the most important benefits of long-term care insurance for people who want to organize their care at home. It allows those in need of care to tailor their care to their individual needs and to financially compensate the caregivers – whether family, friends, or neighbors – for their efforts. But how do you apply for long-term care allowance, and what requirements must you meet? In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about long-term care allowance.
What is care allowance and what can it be used for?
Nursing care allowance is a monthly cash benefit provided by long-term care insurance. It is intended to help people in need of care who are cared for at home and to help them organize their care and support caregivers. It doesn't matter whether the care is provided by relatives, volunteers, or employed caregivers – the key is that the care takes place in a home environment.
The amount of care allowance depends on the level of care required (as of 2024):
Care level 2: 332 euros per month
Care level 3: 573 euros per month
Care level 4: 765 euros per month
Care level 5: 947 euros per month
These amounts have been in effect since 2024. From January 2025, an increase of 4.5% is planned to better support those in need of care in view of rising living costs.
Who is entitled to care allowance?
People who meet the following requirements receive care allowance:
At least care level 2 is required.
Care takes place in a home environment – not in a nursing home.
Furthermore, it is important that care is provided appropriately. Care advisory sessions, which must take place regularly, support those in need of care and those providing care in planning and implementing care.
Applying for care allowance – step by step
Applying for care allowance is straightforward:
Have the level of care determined: Before care allowance can be paid, the level of care must be determined by the Medical Service (statutory health insurance) or by MedicProof (private health insurance).
Contact the nursing care fund: As soon as you have received the notice of your care level, an informal application (e.g. a phone call or a letter) to the nursing care fund is sufficient.
Fill out the form: The nursing care insurance fund will send you a form that you must fill out and return.
Retroactive payment: The care allowance is paid retroactively from the date of application.
Combining care allowance and care services
Many people in need of care would like to use their care allowance while also receiving support from an outpatient care service. This is possible! The so-called care benefits in kind (e.g., household help or personal care) can be combined with the care allowance on a pro rata basis.
However, the care allowance is reduced by the portion used for care benefits in kind. If the maximum amount of care benefits in kind is exhausted, the entitlement to care allowance is lost.
Tip: With AlleFarben Alltagshilfe's services, you can combine targeted support in everyday life without sacrificing flexibility.Use care allowance wisely – AlleFarben everyday help supports you
Care allowance gives you the opportunity to organize your daily life independently and organize individualized support. This is where the services provided by AlleFarben Everyday Help come into play:
Household help: Assistance with housework, such as vacuuming, tidying up or cleaning windows.
Accompaniment: appointments, shopping or leisure activities – we are at your side.
Advice and organization: Help with applying for a care level, planning and documentation.
With a diversity-sensitive approach and a clear focus on individual needs, we ensure that you get the most out of your care allowance.
Do you have any questions? We're here for you!
If you're unsure how to apply for care allowance or need help organizing your care, we're happy to support you. AlleFarben Alltagshilfe is here to help with personalized advice and a wide range of services.
Contact us today – we will find the right solution for you!
