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Emergency

Care allowance or care benefit in kind: which is better?

If someone is cared for at home, the long-term care insurance pays benefits from care level 2. You can choose between care allowance for self-organized care and care benefits in kind for a care service, or combine both.

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For home care, from care level 2 there is care allowance if the care is ensured by yourself (e.g. by relatives) (§ 37 SGB XI), or care benefits in kind for an outpatient care service (§ 36 SGB XI).
Both can be mixed as a combination benefit: if only part of the benefit in kind is used, care allowance is added pro rata. This way you adapt the benefit to the need.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Assess the need

    Clarify how much care relatives provide and where a service is needed.

  2. 2

    2. Compare the benefits

    Compare the care allowance and benefit in kind of your care level.

  3. 3

    3. Check the combination

    Consider the combination benefit if both are needed.

  4. 4

    4. Use advice

    Make use of care advice to find the best solution.

How to spot the scam

  • Care allowance is chosen although the care is not ensured.
  • Advisory visits when receiving care allowance are missed.
  • The possibility of combination is overlooked.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between care allowance and benefit in kind?

You receive care allowance if the care is organized by yourself, for instance by relatives (§ 37 SGB XI). Care benefits in kind are paid by the fund directly for an outpatient care service (§ 36 SGB XI). The benefit-in-kind amounts are higher than the care allowance.

Can I get both?

Yes, as a combination benefit. If you use the care service only partially, you receive a pro rata care allowance for the portion not used up. This way the care can be flexibly adapted to the actual need.

Do I have to watch out for anything with care allowance?

Yes, when receiving care allowance, regular advisory visits by a care service are mandatory (depending on the care level, every six months or every quarter). If they are missed, the care allowance can be reduced or stopped. The visits also serve to support the caregivers.

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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.