Understanding the German Care Allowance (Pflegegeld)
Germany's care allowance, known as Pflegegeld, is a cash benefit from the long-term care insurance fund (Pflegekasse) designed for individuals who choose to be cared for at home by family, friends, or other private individuals rather than by a professional nursing service. The individual in need of care receives the allowance directly and can use it as a form of appreciation and compensation for the non-professional caregiver.
Current Care Allowance Amounts for 2025
As of January 1, 2025, the amounts for the monthly care allowance have increased. The specific amount depends on the assigned care grade (Pflegegrad) of the person requiring care. There is no entitlement to Pflegegeld for care grade 1, as the need for care is considered less extensive at this level.
| Pflegegrad | Monthly Care Allowance (Pflegegeld) [As of Jan 2025] |
|---|---|
| 1 | €0 |
| 2 | €347 |
| 3 | €599 |
| 4 | €796 |
| 5 | €990 |
Eligibility Criteria for Pflegegeld
To receive the care allowance, several conditions must be met:
- Care Grade: The individual must be classified in care grade 2, 3, 4, or 5. A medical assessment by the Medical Service (Medizinischer Dienst) determines this grade based on the person's level of independence.
- Home Care: The care must be provided in the person's own home, not in an inpatient facility.
- Private Caregiver: The care must be delivered by a non-professional, private caregiver, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor.
- Insurance: The person must be insured under Germany's statutory or private long-term care insurance scheme and have paid contributions for a minimum qualifying period.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying for the care allowance involves a few key steps:
- Submit the Application: The person needing care, or a legal representative, must submit a written request to their Pflegekasse. This can be a simple letter, and many insurers also offer online application portals.
- Medical Assessment: After the application, the Pflegekasse arranges for a medical expert from the Medizinischer Dienst (or MEDICPROOF for private insurance) to conduct an assessment. This typically happens at the applicant's home to determine the required level of care.
- Receive the Care Grade Notification: Based on the assessment, the Pflegekasse issues a formal notification of the assigned Pflegegrad. The level of benefits is determined by this assessment.
- Receive Payment: Once the application is approved, the care allowance is paid monthly to the person in need of care. Entitlement begins from the month the application was submitted, not from the date of approval.
Combining Benefits: Pflegegeld vs. Pflegesachleistung
In Germany, individuals can choose between three main options for home care funding from their Pflegekasse:
- Pflegegeld (Cash Benefit): The individual receives the cash allowance and organizes care with private, unpaid caregivers.
- Pflegesachleistung (Benefits-in-Kind): The Pflegekasse pays a professional nursing service directly for care provided. The amount available is higher than the Pflegegeld for the same Pflegegrad.
- Combination Benefit: It is also possible to combine the two options. If only a portion of the available Pflegesachleistung is used, the unused percentage is converted into Pflegegeld and paid out monthly. This offers flexibility, allowing for both professional and family care.
Counseling Visits and Care Quality
For those receiving Pflegegeld, there are legal requirements for mandatory counseling visits to ensure the quality of home care. These visits are conducted by a professional nursing service or a recognized counseling center and are paid for by the Pflegekasse.
- Pflegegrad 2 or 3: Counseling visits are required twice per year.
- Pflegegrad 4 or 5: Counseling visits are required once every three months.
Other Related Benefits
Germany's long-term care system includes other valuable benefits to support home care:
- Entlastungsbetrag (Relief Contribution): A monthly amount of up to €131 for all care grades, including care grade 1, to cover costs of services that relieve caregivers, such as day care, housekeeping, or companionship.
- Verhinderungspflege (Respite Care): This benefit provides funds for a replacement caregiver when the regular caregiver is temporarily unavailable, for example, due to illness or vacation. Important changes are coming in 2025, including a combined annual budget for respite and short-term care.
- Social Security for Caregivers: A caregiver who provides non-professional care for at least 10 hours per week (spread over at least two days) can have pension, unemployment, and accident insurance contributions paid by the care insurance fund.
- Pflegepauschbetrag (Lump-Sum Care Tax Allowance): A tax allowance is available for caregivers who are not receiving income for their care, such as the Pflegegeld passing through to them. The amount depends on the care grade of the person they care for.
Important Changes for 2025
Staying up-to-date with reforms is crucial. The care allowance amounts, as detailed in the table, reflect the 4.5% increase from January 2025. A significant change from July 2025 is the introduction of a flexible, combined annual budget of €3,539 for both respite care (Verhinderungspflege) and short-term care (Kurzzeitpflege), which replaces separate funds and offers greater flexibility.
For more detailed information on specific topics and related support options, you can consult official resources like the website of Handbook Germany, a valuable guide for expats and residents: handbookgermany.de/en/home-care.
Conclusion
The care allowance is a vital component of Germany's social care system, providing financial recognition for the essential work of private, non-professional caregivers. The monthly amount varies significantly based on the assessed care grade. With recent increases and upcoming changes in 2025, understanding the latest figures, eligibility, and application process is key to accessing this important support. Combining Pflegegeld with other benefits offers significant flexibility, allowing individuals to tailor their home care arrangements to their unique needs.
