Wunderbar Applies to: Germany
Relief Amount for 2026: €131 per month starting at Pflegegrad (the German care level) 1 – What It Covers and How It Works
The relief payment is one of the most commonly overlooked benefits of Pflegekasse (the German long-term care insurance fund)—yet it is available starting at Pflegegrad (the German care level) 1. In 2026, it will be €131 per month—up to €1,572 per year—and is the same for all long-term care levels 1 through 5. For long-term care level 1, it is actually the only monthly cash benefit provided by the long-term care insurance fund.
What the relief allowance is intended for
The allowance is earmarked: It funds services to assist with daily life recognized under state law (§ 45a SGB XI). These include, among other things:
- Daily life companions and care workers (walks, accompaniment to appointments, companionship)
- Household-related services (shopping, cleaning, laundry)
- Support groups, e.g., for people with dementia
- Respite services for family caregivers
Direct cash payments are not allowed: You submit receipts and are reimbursed for the costs up to the amount of the allowance.
Saving and Carrying Over
Unused amounts do not expire immediately. You can accumulate them within the year; remaining funds from the previous year can be used until June 30 of the following year. This creates a buffer for longer periods of care.
Conversion Entitlement: Unlock Additional Budget
Anyone who does not fully utilize outpatient care benefits in kind can convert up to 40% of the benefit-in-kind amount into services provided by recognized daily living support providers (Section 45a(4) SGB XI)—in addition to the respite care allowance and independently of it. This significantly increases the budget for private care.
How to Access the Funds
- Check which providers are recognized in your federal state (the long-term care insurance fund maintains lists).
- Use the services and collect invoices/receipts.
- Submit the receipts to the long-term care insurance fund—reimbursement is available up to 131 € per month.
Practical Tip
The combination of the respite allowance and a dedicated daily caregiver is particularly effective at reliably relieving the burden on family members and maintaining stability in the daily life of the person in need of care. It’s important to keep appointments and receipts well organized—an app that consolidates tasks, appointments, and errands for everyone involved can be helpful here.
This article provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal, tax, or social welfare advice. Amounts and rules (as of 2026) are subject to change. Binding information can be obtained from your long-term care insurance provider, a long-term care counseling service under Section 7a of SGB XI, or the Consumer Advice Center.
Sources
Read on
Financing Private Long-Term Care: These Services Are Covered by the Pflegekasse (the German long-term care insurance fund) (2026)
From long-term care allowances to relief payments: Which long-term care insurance benefits help cover the costs of privately arranged long-term care or support—with the current amounts for 2026.
Applying for a care level: Explained step by step
How to apply for a care level, what counts during the assessment, and what you can do if you disagree with the decision. In plain language, as of 2026.
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