Applying for care benefits can be challenging—especially for queer people, who often face additional hurdles due to societal prejudice and discrimination. In this article, we'll give you a clear overview of the application process and show you how to best prepare.
Depending on whether you have statutory or private insurance, you must submit the application to the nursing care fund or your private insurer. The first step is to apply for nursing care benefits. Sample applications will help you with this; you fill them out and send them to the appropriate office. An assessment appointment will be scheduled within two weeks to determine your care needs. Before that, we recommend a free nursing care consultation to help you prepare for the appointment.
Below we explain step by step how you as a queer person can successfully apply for care benefits.
Step-by-step instructions for applying for care benefits
If you require care due to physical or mental limitations, you can receive support from long-term care insurance in Germany. However, the process can be complex. With our step-by-step guide, we want to help you successfully apply for care benefits.
Requirements for applying for care benefits
To be eligible to apply for care benefits, the need for care must be expected to last at least six months. This means that people who require care for this period due to a major surgery or an illness such as HIV can also apply. It makes sense to apply even at care level 1, as you can already receive comprehensive support at this point.
Step 1 | Submit an application
The application is submitted to the long-term care insurance fund affiliated with the health insurance company. Relatives or trusted persons from your chosen family can also submit the application on your behalf if they are authorized to do so. The long-term care insurance fund then commissions the Medical Service of the Health Insurance (MDK) or independent assessors to determine your care needs. Privately insured individuals submit the application directly to their insurance company, with the assessment being carried out by MEDICPROOF.
Here is a sample formulation for your application:
Sender: »Your name and address« Recipient: »Address of the nursing care fund« Insurance number: »Your insurance number« Date
Application for Care Benefits Dear Sir or Madam, Due to my illness/disability, I am dependent on regular care. I hereby apply for benefits from long-term care insurance. Sincerely, Signature
Step 2 | Arrange an appointment for the assessment
After submitting your application, an assessor will contact you within two weeks to schedule an appointment. You can bring a trusted person with you. The statutory processing time is 25 business days. In certain circumstances, such as a hospital stay, the assessment must be completed within one week. If the deadlines are not met, you are entitled to compensation of €70 per week of delay.
Step 3 | Care advice
Get prepared for your visit with a care counselor . This consultation will help you plan the assessment appointment optimally and address all relevant issues. Those in need of care and their families are legally entitled to this consultation, even if their application for care benefits has not yet been approved.
“By the way: Our Alle Farben everyday assistance offers you queer-sensitive care advice and supports you step by step on the path to applying for care benefits – completely individually and tailored to your needs.”
Step 4 | The assessment
The assessment appointment will be conducted by nurses or doctors from the MDK (Medical Services for the Disabled Persons) or other assessors. Your care needs will be assessed. You should ensure that your relatives or caregivers are also present to provide the most accurate picture possible. The assessment will be tailored to your individual care situation, such as your level of independence and the areas in which you need assistance.
Tip: A care protocol can help you prepare for the assessment. It provides a guideline for the questions asked and what will be reviewed.
We have attached a great template for you: Link to the template here
Step 5 | Review the report and file an objection
Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a notice determining your care level. If you disagree with the outcome—for example, because you expected a higher care level or the assessor wasn't queer-sensitive—you can file an appeal. This must be done within one month of receiving the notice. If the notice doesn't contain legal advice, you have up to one year to do so.
Step 6 | Organize help
Depending on your level of care, you are entitled to different care services. There are still a few, but a growing number, queer-sensitive care services and support programs that can help you. We would be happy to support you as a diverse and queer-sensitive daily companion.
