Care allowance: How is it calculated and who is entitled to it?
June 26, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Albrecht Dietrich
Dear lawyer,
My name is Eva Ley and I have a question regarding care allowance in social law. My mother recently became in need of care and we are now faced with the challenge of clarifying the financial support for the necessary care. Since I have not yet dealt with the topic sufficiently, I am unsure of how the care allowance is calculated and who is even entitled to it.
My mother requires daily assistance with personal care, eating, and mobility. Our family is already taking care of her intensively, but we want to ensure that she also receives professional support and that the financial resources are fully utilized. Therefore, it is important for me to know how the care allowance is specifically calculated and whether my mother is even entitled to it.
Currently, we are unsure if we are able to cover the care costs on our own or if we should apply for financial support in the form of care allowance. It would be helpful for us to know what requirements need to be met in order to receive care allowance and approximately how much it could amount to.
Could you please explain to me the criteria by which care allowance is calculated and who is generally entitled to it? Are there specific documents or proofs that we need for the application? What steps are necessary to apply for care allowance and what deadlines need to be observed?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Best regards,
Eva Ley
Dear Mrs. Ley,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding care benefits in social law. It is understandable that you are concerned about the financial support for the care of your mother and unsure about how care benefits are calculated and whether your mother is eligible. I am happy to explain the relevant information to you.
Care benefits under the long-term care insurance are a financial support for individuals in need of care who are being cared for in their home environment. The amount of care benefits depends on the care level, which is determined by the Medical Service of the Health Insurance (MDK). The care level is determined based on an assessment form that includes various criteria such as the need for help with personal care, nutrition, mobility, household tasks, and medical care.
To receive care benefits, your mother must first submit an application to her care insurance for an assessment of her care needs. The MDK will then conduct an assessment and determine the care level. Depending on the care level, the monthly care benefits range from 316 euros (care level 2) to 901 euros (care level 5). Additionally, your mother can also access services such as care services, care aids, or respite care.
Various documents are usually required for the application for care benefits, such as medical certificates, care diaries, and possibly income statements. It is important to carefully and completely fill out the application to avoid delays. The deadlines for submitting the application are legally regulated and must be adhered to in order not to lose the entitlement to care benefits.
Overall, it is important that your mother receives the best possible support and care, both from your family and professional care services. Care benefits can be an important financial help in covering the costs of care. I am happy to answer any further questions you may have and assist you with the application process.
Best regards,
Albrecht Dietrich
