Care Allowance Level 3 in Germany: What You’ll Receive in 2026
Germany’s long-term care system provides financial support to individuals requiring care and those who provide that care. A key component of this support is care allowance, designed to support cover the costs associated with receiving care at home. This article details the care allowance available for care level 3 in Germany, specifically outlining the amounts expected in 2026, and how it applies to different care arrangements.
Understanding Care Levels and Eligibility
In Germany, the level of care needed is assessed to determine the appropriate support. Care levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the lowest level of need and 5 the highest. Eligibility for care allowance generally requires at least care level 2, with the benefit amount increasing with the level of care needed. According to the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), care is typically provided at home by relatives or voluntary caregivers to qualify for the allowance.1
Care Allowance for Level 3 in 2026
As part of the 2023 care reform, care allowance was increased by 5% on January 1, 2024, and by a further 4.5% on January 1, 2025. The next planned increase is scheduled for 2028. However, for those receiving care at level 3, the allowance will remain at 599 euros per month in 2026.1 This benefit is typically paid out on the first working day of the month and can be used without restrictions.
Currently, approximately 1.02 million people in Germany receive this 599 euro monthly allowance for care level 3, representing around 33% of those in need of care who are cared for solely by relatives.1
Proportional Care Allowance with Combination Benefit
Individuals receiving care from both relatives and an outpatient care service may be eligible for a “combination benefit.” This combines care benefits in kind (services provided by the nursing service) with a proportional care allowance. The amount of the allowance is reduced based on the extent of the care benefits in kind received. The following table outlines the proportional care allowance for care level 3 in 2026:
| Care Distribution (Relatives : Nursing Service) | Care Allowance (€) | Care Benefit in Kind (€) | Combined Performance (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 : 100 | 599 | 1497 | 1497 |
| 10 : 90 | 599 | 1347.30 | 1407.20 |
| 20 : 80 | 599 | 1197.60 | 1317.40 |
| 30 : 70 | 599 | 1047.90 | 1227.60 |
| 40 : 60 | 599 | 898.20 | 1137.80 |
| 50 : 50 | 599 | 748.50 | 1048 |
| 60 : 40 | 599 | 598.80 | 958.20 |
| 70 : 30 | 599 | 449.10 | 868.40 |
| 80 : 20 | 599 | 299.40 | 778.60 |
| 90 : 10 | 599 | 149.70 | 688.80 |
| 100 : 0 | 599 | 0 | 599 |
Approximately 364,000 people in Germany receive care at level 3 through this combination of services.1
Additional Considerations
Individuals with care level 3 generally retain the ability to drive, although it is advisable to consider safety implications. Those hospitalized may be eligible for an accompanying person.1
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