Apply for short-term care
Temporary inpatient care, e.g., following a hospital stay or to provide relief for family caregivers.
How to proceed
- 1
Find a facility with available space
Contact an approved short-term care facility.
- 2
Submit an application to the long-term care insurance fund
If possible, before the start of your stay.
- 3
Receive coverage
Up to €1,774 per year (2024), which can be combined with the respite care budget.
Required documents
- Care Level DeterminationMandatory
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Combination with respite care budget not utilized
- • Application submitted only after admission to the facility
Common reasons for rejection
- • No recognized care level
- • The budget for the calendar year has already been exhausted
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Individuals requiring care at care level 2 or higher, for up to 8 weeks per calendar year.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 85.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Combination with respite care budget not utilized
- •Application submitted only after admission to the facility
Common reasons for rejection
- •No recognized care level
- •The budget for the calendar year has already been exhausted
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
How long can short-term care be provided?▼
Up to 8 weeks per calendar year; the budget can be combined with respite care.