What benefits are available to me as a caregiving family member?
September 5, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Schröter
Dear lawyer,
My name is Marie Hirschberg and I have been taking care of my father who is in need of care for some time now. I assist him daily, provide care, accompany him to doctor's appointments, and make sure he is doing well. Lately, however, I have noticed that the burden is increasing and I am wondering what services I am entitled to as a family caregiver.
I am currently employed part-time and can no longer work in my profession because taking care of my father takes up a lot of time. As a result, I not only have a significant loss of income, but also the social security that was associated with my work. I am worried about my financial situation and am wondering if there are support options available to me as a family caregiver.
What benefits can I receive as a family caregiver? Are there financial aids to compensate for the loss of earnings? Can I receive support in organizing care and coping with everyday life? I am grateful for any information you can provide on this topic, as I am currently very uncertain and do not know how to handle the situation.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Marie Hirschberg
Dear Mrs. Hirschberg,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise in the field of social security law. It is commendable that you are taking such good care of your father in need of care and supporting him during this difficult time.
As a caring family member, you are entitled to various benefits and support options. Firstly, I would like to point out that for the care of family members, benefits from the long-term care insurance are usually available. These benefits can include both financial and organizational support.
For financial relief, for example, there is the care allowance, which you as a caring family member may be entitled to if your father has a care level. This money is intended to cover the care support you provide and offer you some compensation for your selfless work.
Furthermore, as a caring family member, you also have the option of taking a care leave or family care leave. During this time, you can take a break from your professional life and focus entirely on the care of your father without losing your job. During this time, you may even receive financial support in the form of care support money.
Additionally, there is the option to seek support in organizing care and daily life. For example, you can turn to counseling centers, care services, or volunteer helpers to assist you in managing the daily challenges.
It is important that you inform yourself early about your rights and options to receive the best possible support for yourself and your father. I am also available in my online consultation hours to personally assist you in discussing your situation more detailed and provide you with individual recommendations.
I hope this information helps you and gives you some clarity in this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions or reach out to me if needed.
Best regards,
Friedhelm Schröter
