Apply for long-term care assistance
A social assistance benefit that covers long-term care costs when long-term care insurance benefits and the individual's own income and assets are insufficient.
How to proceed
- 1
Ensure the care level
To qualify for long-term care assistance, you must have a recognized care level.
- 2
Submit an application to the Social Services Office
Along with a home care contract or documentation of home care costs, as well as proof of income and assets.
- 3
Decision and Coverage of Costs
The Social Services Office covers the difference between the cost of care and the individual's own resources.
Required documents
- Care Level DeterminationMandatory
- Residential Contract / Cost BreakdownMandatoryOften forgotten
- Financial DisclosureMandatoryOften forgotten
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 months
Official: max. approx. 1 months
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • The home contract and cost breakdown are missing
- • Incomplete financial disclosure
Common reasons for rejection
- • Assets in excess of the exemption amount have not yet been exhausted
- • Care level is missing or insufficient
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
People in need of care whose care costs (e.g., in a nursing home) are not covered by long-term care insurance and their own funds.
Income limit
Use of income exceeding the social assistance income limits and assets exceeding the exempt asset threshold (€10,000).
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 85.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •The home contract and cost breakdown are missing
- •Incomplete financial disclosure
Common reasons for rejection
- •Assets in excess of the exemption amount have not yet been exhausted
- •Care level is missing or insufficient
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Related services
Questions & Answers
Do I need to sell my house?▼
A reasonably sized home that the owner lives in is generally considered exempt property while the owner resides there, but may become relevant if the owner remains in a nursing home on a long-term basis.