Apply for respite care
Coverage of the costs for a substitute caregiver if the private caregiver is unavailable (e.g., vacation, illness).
How to proceed
- 1
Arrange for substitute care
Through family members, neighbors, or professional services.
- 2
Submit an application to the long-term care insurance fund
Please specify the time frame and costs.
- 3
Receive a refund
Up to €1,612 per year (2024), which can be combined with the short-term care budget.
Required documents
- Care Level DeterminationMandatory
- Invoices from the substitute caregiverMandatoryOften forgotten
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
- • There is no record of the care period to date
- • Invoices from the substitute caregiver have not been submitted
Common reasons for rejection
- • The caregiver has been providing care for less than 6 months
- • Budget already 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 whose caregiver has been providing care for at least 6 months.
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
- •There is no record of the care period to date
- •Invoices from the substitute caregiver have not been submitted
Common reasons for rejection
- •The caregiver has been providing care for less than 6 months
- •Budget already 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.