Care Allowance Calculator Germany
Pick a care level to see German care allowance (Pflegegeld, 347–990 €) and in-kind home care benefits for 2026 per month and year, with a table of all levels.
Select Care Level
Care Allowance per Month
€347.00
for home care by relatives
Care Allowance per Year
€4,164.00
Benefit in Kind per Month
€796.00
for care by outpatient service
Benefit in Kind per Year
€9,552.00
| Care Level | Care Allowance | Benefit in Kind |
|---|---|---|
| Care Level 1 | €0.00 | €0.00 |
| Care Level 2 | €347.00 | €796.00 |
| Care Level 3 | €599.00 | €1,497.00 |
| Care Level 4 | €800.00 | €1,859.00 |
| Care Level 5 | €990.00 | €2,299.00 |
Note: Care allowance and benefits in kind can also be combined (combination benefit). The relief amount of €131.00/month is available in addition across all care levels. As of: 2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much care allowance is available?
Monthly care allowance by care level: Level 2: 347 euros, Level 3: 599 euros, Level 4: 800 euros, Level 5: 990 euros. Care level 1 does not qualify for care allowance but receives the relief amount of 131 euros a month.
What is the difference between care allowance and care benefits in kind?
Care allowance is paid for home care by family members. Care benefits in kind cover professional care services. You can also combine both as a combination benefit.
How is the combination of care allowance and a care service calculated?
If you use an outpatient care service only partly, the care allowance is reduced by the percentage of the benefit in kind that you use (§ 38 SGB XI). Example for care level 3: the care service bills 598.80 euros, which is 40% of the 1,497-euro benefit in kind; 60% of the 599-euro care allowance then remains, i.e. 359.40 euros for you to use freely. The calculator shows both maximum amounts for your care level, so you can work out the split yourself.
Guide
What is the Care Allowance Calculator Germany?
The care allowance calculator determines the monthly care allowance for home care by family members or friends according to the care level.
How does the Care Allowance Calculator Germany work?
Select the care level (2-5). The calculator shows the monthly care allowance and, if applicable, the combination benefit from care allowance and care services when partially using professional care.
Key Data and Facts
Care allowance 2026: Level 2: 347 euros, Level 3: 599 euros, Level 4: 800 euros, Level 5: 990 euros. Level 1: no care allowance, but 131 euros relief amount.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the care allowance (Pflegegeld) step by step: 1. Determine the care level: The care level is established by the Medical Service (MD). Care level 1: minor impairment (no care allowance). Care level 2: significant impairment. Care level 3: severe impairment. Care level 4: most severe impairment. Care level 5: most severe impairment with special requirements. 2. Read off the care allowance (2026): Level 2: EUR 347 per month. Level 3: EUR 599 per month. Level 4: EUR 800 per month. Level 5: EUR 990 per month. 3. Check the combination benefit: If, alongside care provided by relatives, you also use an outpatient care service, you can combine care allowance and care benefits in kind. The care allowance is then reduced proportionally. 4. Note the additional benefits: Relief amount: EUR 131 per month (all care levels). Substitute and short-term care: joint annual budget of up to EUR 3,539 (since 1 July 2025, § 42a SGB XI). Consumable care aids: EUR 42 per month. Example: A person with care level 3, home care by relatives, plus an outpatient service for 30 % of the benefit in kind. Care benefit in kind, level 3: EUR 1,497. Used: 30 % = EUR 449.10. Remaining care allowance: 599 x 70 % = EUR 419.30. Total benefit: 449.10 + 419.30 = EUR 868.40 per month.
Calculation Example
Care level 3, home care. Pure care allowance: 599 EUR/month. With combination (30 % benefit in kind = 449.10 EUR): care allowance 70 % = 419.30 EUR. Total: 868.40 EUR/month.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
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