Care Level
Assignment to a care level (1–5) by the Medical Service.
How to proceed
- 1
Application to the Long-Term Care Insurance Fund
You can submit it informally or using a form.
- 2
MDK Assessment
Keep your appointment or assess the situation yourself (if symptoms are mild).
- 3
received a notice
Care levels 1–5 with entitlement to benefits.
- 4
Apply for benefits
Care allowance, benefits in kind, or a combination of both.
Required documents
- Identification cardMandatory
- Medical Report / DiagnosesMandatoryOften forgotten
- Care Log (2 Weeks)MandatoryOften forgotten
Documentation of daily care procedures
- List of Medications
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Kostenlos (Begutachtung inklusive)
Processing time
approx. 1 months
Official: max. approx. 4 weeks
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Medical report is missing
- • Care log is incomplete
- • Missed the MDK appointment
Common reasons for rejection
- • Insufficient evidence of need for care
- • Insufficient classification level
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
People with physical, cognitive, or mental disabilities who require care.
Income limit
No income limit—the need for care is the determining factor.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 85.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Medical report is missing
- •Care log is incomplete
- •Missed the MDK appointment
Common reasons for rejection
- •Insufficient evidence of need for care
- •Insufficient classification level
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.
Everything about Care Level
Related services
Questions & Answers
How long does the care level assessment take?▼
By law, a maximum of 25 business days after the application is submitted.
What should you do if your care level is too low?▼
File an appeal within 30 days, including a new medical report.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Data quality
- 100 %
Latest content changes
- MDK-Begutachtungsfrist 25 Tage
Read more
- Application for Long-Term Care Benefits / Care Level
Form
- Disability ID Card (GdB Assessment)
Form
- Home Modifications (Care)
Grant
- Respite Care Subsidy
Grant
- Deadlines
- Checklist
- Authorities
- FAQ
- Care Guide
From the social services office for those in need
- Respite care
In the event of the caregiver's absence
- Care Level – overview
Care Level by city
Regional processing times, responsibilities and specifics.