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Household Help for Seniors: Who Helps With Household Chores—and Who Pays?
As the years go by, many household tasks become more difficult—shopping, cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking. A home helper can take a lot of that burden off your shoulders, allowing you to remain independent in your own home for longer. This guide explains in simple terms what a home helper does, how to find one, and who can help cover the costs.
What a Home Helper Does
A home helper takes care of household chores—not personal care. Typical tasks include:
- Shopping and running errands
- Keeping the home clean, dusting, and mopping the floors
- Washing, hanging, and ironing laundry
- Cooking or preparing meals
- Running small errands, such as going to the post office or pharmacy
Important to know: Washing, dressing, or administering medication—that is, personal care—is not part of a housekeeper’s job. A home care service or a caregiver is responsible for that.
Who Helps Cover the Costs—Three Options
Hiring a housekeeper costs money. However, there are three ways to get part of the cost reimbursed. Often, these options can even be combined.
Option 1: Through Health Insurance (§ 38 SGB V)
Health insurance covers a home helper only in certain cases—primarily if you are temporarily unable to manage your household after a hospital stay or due to a serious illness. This is not a long-term solution: unless you have a child under the age of twelve in your household, coverage is generally granted only for a short period, usually up to four weeks. A copayment applies (10 percent of the costs, with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 euros per day).
Some health insurance providers offer more coverage under their bylaws. That’s why it’s always worth calling your provider to ask: “Will you cover a home helper in my case—and if so, for how long?”
Option 2: The Relief Allowance for Those with a Care Level
Anyone with a care level—starting as low as care level 1—receives what’s known as the “relief allowance” from their long-term care insurance fund. In 2026, this amounts to 131 euros per month. This money is intended specifically for this kind of everyday support and may be used, among other things, to hire a housekeeper.
One point is crucial here: The provider must be officially recognized (a “recognized service for daily living support”). This means you do not pay a private individual in cash, but instead hire a recognized service and submit the invoice to the long-term care insurance fund. The Long-Term Care Support Center knows which providers in your area are recognized.
Option 3: Through the Tax System (Section 35a)
Anyone can use this option—regardless of their long-term care level. Costs for a home helper count as “household-related services.” You can claim 20 percent of these costs back on your tax return, up to 4,000 euros per year.
For this to work, there’s one key rule: You need an invoice and must pay by bank transfer. The tax office does not accept cash payments.
How to Find a Housekeeper
- Care Support Center: The free on-site counseling service knows the recognized providers in the region and helps with applications. This is the best first point of contact.
- Recognized Services: If you want to use the relief allowance, make sure the provider is recognized.
- Neighborhood Assistance and Organizations: Many communities have organized neighborhood assistance programs—often affordable and, in some states, even eligible for reimbursement through the care relief allowance.
- Private help: This is also an option, but make sure the person is properly registered (through the Minijob-Zentrale) and that they have insurance. This protects both parties.
For Family Members: Provide Support Without Being Overbearing
If you’re caring for an older person, you don’t have to be the one providing household help yourself—it’s often wiser to organize it. Work together to determine what’s truly needed, and let the older person have a say in who comes into the home. This preserves their independence and gives them the satisfaction of feeling valued.
It’s helpful to keep track of appointments and arrangements with the home care provider in one place for everyone involved—who’s coming when, what needs to be done, and what was discussed. Some families use a shared app for this, where appointments and errands are visible to both the senior and their family members. This way, everyone stays informed without having to constantly follow up by phone.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal or tax advice. The exact requirements and amounts are subject to change and depend on your health insurance provider, your care level, and your personal situation. If in doubt, check with your health or long-term care insurance provider, the long-term care support center, or an income tax assistance association.