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Emergency

Relief amount: monthly money for care relief

Alongside the major care benefits there is an often overlooked help: the relief amount. With it you can pay for services that relieve you in everyday care, month after month.

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Your chances of getting your money back

People in need of care with a care level (from care level 1) who are cared for at home are entitled to a monthly relief amount (§ 45b SGB XI). It is earmarked for recognized supervision and relief services.
You can use it, for example, for recognized everyday helpers, supervision groups, day or short-term care or services of a care service (help in the household). The amount is not paid out in cash; unused amounts you can save up for a time.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the entitlement

    Is there a care level and is care provided at home? Then the relief amount is due to you.

  2. 2

    2. Choose recognized services

    Use only supervision/relief services recognized under state law; otherwise the insurer does not pay.

  3. 3

    3. Submit receipts

    Submit the invoices to the care insurer for reimbursement (no cash payment).

  4. 4

    4. Save up remainders

    Unused monthly amounts you can accumulate within the permitted period and use later.

Frequently asked questions

What can I use the relief amount for?

For recognized supervision and relief services, for example everyday helpers, supervision groups, day or short-term care or household-related services of a care service (§ 45b SGB XI). It is important that the service is recognized under state law. The amount is not paid out in cash but reimbursed by the care insurer against invoice.

Does the relief amount lapse if I do not use it?

Not immediately: unused monthly amounts you can save up within the permitted period and use later (transferable until the end of the following half-year). So it is worth keeping the entitlement in view and using the recognized services in good time.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.