Is there financial support for family caregivers in the pension insurance system?
October 19, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Christian Voigt
Dear lawyer,
My name is Quentin Wunderlich and I am currently facing a great challenge for which I urgently need your help. Due to health problems, my mother requires intensive care and support, which I as her only relative must take on. As a result, I am forced to quit my job and focus full-time on my mother's care.
I am very concerned about my financial situation, as losing my job means I no longer have a regular source of income. Is there a possibility in the pension insurance system to receive financial support for family caregivers? Can I make claims to ensure my pension rights are not endangered?
I have already done some research on the internet, but the information is often confusing and unclear. Therefore, I would be very grateful if you could help me in this difficult situation. Are there specific benefits or support for family caregivers in the pension insurance system that I can rely on? How can I stabilize my financial situation and secure my pension rights?
I thank you in advance for your help and support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Quentin Wunderlich
Dear Mr. Wunderlich,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise in the field of social security law. I am sorry to hear that you are in a difficult situation where you have to take care of your mother intensively and had to quit your job as a result. I am happy to assist you and provide you with information on the options available to receive financial support for family caregivers in the pension insurance.
In the statutory pension insurance, there are various benefits available to family caregivers. One important benefit is the so-called care leave, which allows employees to reduce or suspend their professional activity for up to six months in order to care for a close person. During this time, there is a legal entitlement to care allowance, which provides a certain income compensation.
Furthermore, there is the possibility to receive care allowance from the care fund if your mother is classified as in need of care. This care allowance is meant to cover the costs of care and support, and can also be paid to you as a family caregiver. Additionally, under certain conditions, you can acquire pension entitlements if you care for your mother and are no longer employed. These periods of care can be credited upon application in the pension insurance, thus securing your pension entitlements.
It is advisable to contact your responsible care fund as well as the German Pension Insurance to obtain specific information about your individual entitlements and options. There, you can also apply for financial assistance and seek advice.
I hope that this information will help you in your situation and provide you with a perspective on how to stabilize your financial situation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Christian Voigt, Attorney specializing in Social Security Law
