Applying for care allowance in Austria: how to submit your application
You can apply for care allowance informally with the institution that pays your pension, in most cases the pension insurance provider. Afterwards, an assessor will visit your home, and the decision will determine the care level.
Here you will find out who is entitled, where and how to submit your application, how to prepare for the assessment, and which additional support is available after the decision.
Professionally reviewed by Denis Hadzic, bazuba ViennaStatus: 27 September 2026 · according to Pension Insurance, oesterreich.gv.at and Chamber of Labour
In short
You submit the application informally to the institution that pays your pension, otherwise to the pension insurance, also online with ID Austria. After a home visit, the decision notice determines the care level.
Entitlementover 65 hoursCare needs per month, expected to last at least six monthsWho is eligible
Until the decision noticeup to 60 daysReference value of the pension insurance, by law a maximum of six monthsDecision notice and deadlines
Do not postpone: No one pays anything retroactively for the period before the application. Submit the application as soon as it is foreseeable that help will be needed permanently; you can submit medical reports later. How to prepare for the assessment
Status: 27 September 2026, according to pension insurance, oesterreich.gv.at, Ministry of Social Affairs and Chamber of Labour. The decision notice from your decision-making authority is decisive. Professionally reviewed by Denis Hadzic (bazuba Vienna).
Who is entitled to care allowance?
Care allowance depends solely on the need for care, not on age, income, or a specific diagnosis. The following requirements must be met:
a need for care of an average of more than 65 hours per month
due to a physical, mental or psychological impairment, or a sensory disability
the need is expected to last for at least six months
habitual residence in Austria and Austrian citizenship or equivalent status, for example as an EU citizen
The application may be submitted by the person in need of care, their legal representative, as well as family members and household members, even without a power of attorney.
Is care allowance available for dementia, autism, or after a stroke?
A diagnosis alone is never sufficient, but it does not exclude eligibility either. What matters is how many hours of help are needed per month. In cases of severe mental or psychological impairment, especially dementia, the assessment adds a flat rate of 45 hours from the age of 15. For certain impairments, there are fixed minimum levels:
Impairment
At least
Severe visual impairment
Level 3
Blindness
Level 4
Deafblindness
Level 5
Wheelchair from age 14for example in the case of paraplegia
Level 3
Wheelchair plus incontinenceor paralysis of the bladder or rectum
Level 4
Wheelchair plus significant loss of arm function
Level 5
If the actual care needs are higher, the higher level applies. Source: Chamber of Labour, brochure 'Care Allowance', March 2026.
Care allowance for children
Care allowance is available from birth. For children, only the additional need compared to children of the same age without impairment is considered, and the assessment is carried out by specialist paediatricians. For severely impaired children, the assessment adds a flat rate of hours: up to the 7th birthday 50 hours, then up to the 15th birthday 75 hours per month.
Where and how do I apply for care allowance?
The responsible authority is not the health insurance fund or the municipality, but the pension insurance provider. If you receive a pension, you apply where your pension comes from; all others apply to the pension insurance provider. If the application is submitted to the wrong authority, it must be forwarded.
Your situation
This is where you submit your application
Pension from the Pension InsuranceASVG, i.e. most former employees and workers
Pension Insurance (PV)
Pension from the SVSFormer self-employed persons, female and male farmers
Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS)
Civil servant pensionFederal, state or municipal, also pensions from railways and mining
Insurance Institution for Public Employees, Railways and Mining (BVAEB)
No pensionFor example, employed, co-insured, children, minimum benefit or rehabilitation allowance
Pension Insurance (PV)
Source: Ministry of Social Affairs and oesterreich.gv.at, as of September 2026.
Three ways to apply
Online: via the online forms of the pension insurance, for which you need an ID Austria. Upload your medical reports as a PDF or photo in the upload centre.
Form: print out the fillable PDF ‚Application for care allowance‘, sign it, and send it by post or submit it in person.
Informal: a short signed letter with your name, insurance number, and a statement that you are applying for care allowance is sufficient. This secures the month; afterwards, the provider will send you a form in which you describe your need for assistance.
Keep a care diary for two weeks: what assistance is provided and how long it takes. There is no official template, but templates are available from social welfare associations, for example.
2. Gather documents
Record doctor's letters, medical findings, discharge reports, a current medication list, and aids such as a walking frame or shower stool.
3. Submit the application
Online, using a form or informally, see above. The date is relevant for the start of payment.
4. Home visit
The appointment will be announced. A trusted person may be present.
5. Decision
It states the level and the amount. Payments are backdated to the first of the month after the application.
The assessment: how to prepare
A doctor or a qualified nurse will visit you at home, in the care home, or in hospital if necessary. The assessment estimates how many hours of help are needed per month. For many activities, the classification regulation provides fixed reference values, for example 20 hours for dressing and undressing, 25 hours for daily personal care, and 10 hours each for assistance such as shopping, cleaning the flat, or laundry.
Tips for the appointment
Describe a normal day, not an especially good one. Many affected persons make an extra effort during the visit, which can lower the classification.
Have a trusted person present, ideally the person who provides most of the care. They can add information that may be missed in the conversation.
Prepare documents: care diary, medical reports, medication list.
Do not forget night-time and unexpected events: night-time toilet visits, falls, restlessness, orientation problems.
Show aids and equipment. What is available and can be used will be taken into account in the classification.
The decision: level, amount and deadlines
According to the guidelines, the procedure at the pension insurance provider should take no longer than 60 days, and by law no longer than six months. If no decision is made by then, a default action is possible. If a relative wishes to take care leave or part-time care leave, there is an expedited procedure of two weeks.
Level
Care requirement per month
Care allowance 2026 per month
Care level 1
more than 65 hours
206,20 €
Care level 2
more than 95 hours
380,30 €
Care level 3
more than 120 hours
592,60 €
Care level 4
more than 160 hours
888,50 €
Care level 5
more than 180 hoursplus exceptional care needs
1.206,90 €
Care level 6
more than 180 hoursplus unpredictable care day and night or constant presence required
1.685,40 €
Care level 7
more than 180 hoursplus no purposeful movement of the limbs
2.214,80 €
Twelve times a year in arrears, without income tax and health insurance. Source: oesterreich.gv.at, as of 1 January 2026. More about each level in the guide Care levels in Austria.
If the level is too low
There is no appeal against the decision with the authority, but you can file a claim with the Labour and Social Court within three months of receiving the decision. In the first instance, you do not need a lawyer, and there are no court fees or costs for the assessment.
Good to know after the decision
Increase: If the need for care increases, you can apply for an increase, with a new assessment. Within one year of the last decision, a medical report is required to confirm a significant deterioration.
Approved for a limited period: Apply for continuation within three months after the last payment.
Report changes: for example, moving into a care home, within four weeks.
Hospital: If a public provider covers the costs, the care allowance is suspended from the second day. On application, it can continue, for example if a paid carer or 24-hour care is in place.
Death during the procedure: The person who provided most of the care or bore the care costs can apply for continuation within six months.
What additional support comes with the care allowance?
With an approved care level, further support becomes available, especially for family carers. The most important in 2026:
Help
From level
What is available
Family caregiver bonusApplication to the pension insurance
4
€134.30 per month if care has been provided mainly at home for at least one year and the net income of the caregiver does not exceed €1,710.90
Support for 24-hour careApplication to the Social Ministry Service
3
Up to €800 per month for self-employed carers, up to €1,600 for employed carers; income limit €2,500 net
Subsidy for replacement careif the caregiver is unavailable
3, for dementia and minors 1
€1,200 to €2,200 per year depending on level, in some cases more for dementia and minors; after at least one year of predominant care
Care leavefor close relatives
3, for dementia and minors 1
One to three months of leave or part-time with care leave allowance, with social insurance
As of September 2026, according to pv.at, oesterreich.gv.at and Social Ministry Service. Amounts and limits are subject to adjustment; the relevant authority is decisive.
Is your bathroom becoming an obstacle? We make it safer.No major construction site: Bathtub door in 1 day, shower instead of bathtub in 2 to 3 days. Free inspection in Austria.
Care allowance is a flat-rate contribution towards the additional costs due to care needs. You do not need to provide receipts, but the authority may check whether care is ensured. Safe access to the bath or shower makes home care easier and may be included. For the renovation itself, there are additional grants from the federal states in Austria:
Federal state
Funding for bathroom renovation
Vienna
from 60 years old 50% up to €7,500 (with income limit). With care allowance from level 3 or proof of disability 75% up to €11,250, with no income limit. Details in the guide Funding for age-appropriate renovation Vienna
Styria
State subsidy of 30% of eligible costs, application after the renovation within two years from the oldest invoice
Salzburg
Renovation funding for age- and disability-appropriate conversions, only with registration before construction begins
Lower Austria, Carinthia and others
Subsidies from the federal states and, in case of disability, from the Social Ministry Service; for most programmes, application before work begins
As of September 2026. Conditions and amounts are subject to change; the responsible funding office in your federal state is decisive. During the inspection, we will inform you which documents the funding office requires.
What helps most in the bathroom
Bathtub door: a low entry into the existing bathtub, usually installed within one day.
Tub out, shower in: level-access shower instead of a bathtub in 2 to 3 days.
With the institution that pays your pension, usually the pension insurance provider; for former self-employed persons and farmers, with the SVS; for civil servants of the federal government, state, or municipality, with the BVAEB. If you do not receive a pension, submit the application to the pension insurance provider. The health insurance fund is not responsible.
Yes, via the online forms of the pension insurance provider with ID Austria. You can upload medical reports in the upload centre. Without ID Austria, you can use the PDF form by post or submit an informal signed letter.
According to the guidelines, the pension insurance provider has a maximum of 60 days, and by law a maximum of six months. After that, a default action is possible. For care leave, there is an expedited procedure of two weeks.
From the first day of the month following the application. If the decision arrives later, payments are made retroactively to this date. There are no payments for the period before the application.
Keep a care diary for two weeks, have medical reports and a list of medications ready, involve a trusted person, and describe a typical day, not an especially good one. Be sure to mention night-time assistance and falls.
Yes, if the care requirement exceeds 65 hours per month. The diagnosis alone is not decisive. In cases of severe intellectual or psychological impairment, especially dementia, the assessment adds a flat rate of 45 hours from the age of 15.
Yes, from birth. Only the additional need compared to children of the same age without impairment is counted. For severely impaired children, a flat rate of 50 hours is added, and from age 7, 75 hours per month.
File a claim with the labour and social court within three months of receiving the decision. In the first instance, there is no requirement for a lawyer and no costs. If the care requirement increases later, you can apply for an increase.
The care allowance is a lump-sum contribution towards additional care-related costs; receipts are not required. Safe access to the bathroom makes home care easier and may be included. There are also additional grants from the federal states for renovations, in Vienna with care allowance from level 3 up to €11,250.
Continue to care levels and grants
Care levels in Austria
All 7 levels for 2026 with hours and amounts, plus the dementia supplement.
„Complete renovation of bathroom and WC — After weeks of searching online for a company that could take on our project (complete renovation of bathroom and WC), we came across bazuba. Although all customer reviews pointed to an outstanding company, we still felt the need to visit the company location in Guntramsdorf in person first. But from that moment on, it was clear to us that only this company was suitable for our project. The exceptionally warm, competent, polite, friendly, and patient team immediately convinced us. From then on, everything went very quickly. We arranged an inspection appointment with Mr. Weninger. The inspection, consultation, measuring, and addressing special requests all took place in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The gentleman was very patient and really took a lot of time for us, only leaving once even the smallest detail was clarified. After the very detailed offer and placing the order, the renovation work began punctually on the agreed date. From here on, I have to keep it short, otherwise I would need two more pages. ALL involved, whether subcontractors or the truly outstanding bazuba specialists, carried out their tasks so competently, punctually, cleanly, almost dust-free, quickly, friendly, politely, courteously, professionally, precisely, and expertly that words almost fail me. The continuous support and (after)care of my project are also worth highlighting. After completing the very extensive work, I now have two real gems (bathroom and WC), and I find myself spending much more time there than really necessary. The conclusion of a highly satisfied and enthusiastic customer: the best 10-star company I have ever dealt with. I have recommended and will always recommend bazuba."
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werner.lissa
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Everything just fits perfectly! :o) We had bazuba renovate our roughly 50-year-old bathroom and the equally old toilet, and also modernize the shower in the second bathroom. From the very first (phone) contact, we had a good feeling. Bathroom planner Raffael came to our home and went through the various steps with us, giving us good advice and showing a lot of patience. We were also able to talk openly about the price, and in the end he gave us an offer we were very happy with. We had also gotten quotes from competitors, which were noticeably more expensive—we’re talking +50% or more. The implementation then went perfectly. First came the demolition team, then the electricians, the plasterers/floor layers, and finally the installation team. Overall, the work took almost three weeks, but that was agreed on beforehand and so was fine. All the workers always arrived as scheduled, were very friendly, explained a lot to us, and did a great job. We were also very grateful that they pointed out some possible/necessary improvements. Our spontaneous change requests were welcomed and carried out. At the same time, planner Raffael and project manager Anel were always reachable and responded quickly to our questions. The result speaks for itself: from old-fashioned, dark rooms with very worn installations, we now have bright, modern wet rooms that you enjoy entering again. The planning concept was implemented 100% in reality and at what we think is a really fair price. No trouble with the craftsmen at all—in fact, it was a pleasure, and we can warmly recommend the entire bazuba team."
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Hans G.
Guntramsdorf ·
Google
“
„Good decision! — We chose BAZUBA because of a report on an online portal... and we have no regrets! Our wishes were discussed and planned in the showroom with an incredible amount of patience. Even changes and special requests before the renovation started were implemented quickly and easily. The entire construction team also deserves mention – everyone was without exception polite and friendly. I especially want to mention Mr. Robert, who brightened every one of our site visits with his good mood. In hindsight, we can now list the following reasons why we recommend BAZUBA to everyone: 1.) The price – All other quotes were about 25% higher than BAZUBA’s. 2.) The team – As already mentioned, patience and friendliness are top priorities here. 3.) The planning – None of our wishes were considered impossible. Even special requests were gladly fulfilled. 4.) The working time – A conventional renovation would have taken at least 4 weeks and the whole house would have been dusty. BAZUBA finished on schedule in 2 weeks. 5.) The quality – Nothing wobbles, nothing is scratched. The bathtub looks like new. The walls are flawless. Every joint fits perfectly. 6.) The look – We chose a seamless bathroom. Compared to tiles, our bathroom now feels much friendlier and warmer. 7.) The warranty! All in all, we are satisfied customers and would have our bathroom renovated by BAZUBA again anytime."
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Christopher
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Perfect! Absolutely recommend. — Tub out and shower in! From start to finish, we can only give the highest praise. The consultant, Mr. Raffael Weninger, gave us excellent advice at home. He took our needs into account and came up with a perfect plan for us with his great ideas. The craftsmen also deserve the highest praise. They were extremely careful to avoid dust and dirt, which is not easy with this kind of work. The first two days, two careful installers took on their responsible tasks. After all, all newly laid water pipes and drains have to be completely sealed. The third and fourth days belonged to the quick gentlemen Jànos and Gàbor, who were able to complete this partial renovation on time — without taking a break! It must be said that all "our" four craftsmen are extremely friendly and hardworking. Otherwise, our project would not have been completed perfectly in this relatively short time. On the third day, the company owner visited us, checked on the progress, and asked about our satisfaction so far. That builds trust. Now we enjoy our new shower pleasure every day! We gladly recommend this company with its great employees. Warm regards! Christian & Sylvia Karner"
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Christian K.
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„NEW BATHROOM For about 3 weeks now, we have been proud owners of a seamless bathroom and toilet. The first team from bazuba arrived on time and very punctual, professionally covering everything from the front door up to the bathroom, including the stairs, and began dismantling the old sanitary fixtures, disposing of everything no longer needed. From then on, things moved quickly every day. Congratulations to your employees. Everyone was extremely friendly, polite, and really hardworking. No matter what was being done, we were always asked if everything was okay or if we had other wishes. The new walk-in shower is truly a dream, the walls seamless and so beautifully bright, and the floor really very nice and easy to maintain. The toilet was done in the same style. Simply beautiful. I wanted to wait with the review until I got used to the new bathroom. Every morning, when I enter our beautiful bathroom, I am very happy. No matter which team was on site, all employees did professional work. We will always remember bazuba from Guntramsdorf fondly and will gladly recommend them. Thank you very much for everything. Best regards, Renate P."
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renate P.
Villach ·
Google
“
„We are completely thrilled and want to sincerely thank you for the excellent work! Our garden house is quite old, and the bathroom was already over 40 years old. It has now been completely renovated – and the result is simply beautiful! An old, worn-out bathroom has been transformed into a modern, stunning bathroom where you really feel comfortable. We especially want to highlight the fantastic team! All the employees were incredibly friendly, helpful, courteous, and worked with great care and professionalism. You can immediately tell that these are people who know their craft and do their work with joy and dedication. The entire service was simply outstanding as well. From the very first moment, we felt perfectly looked after and cared for. You don’t find this much friendliness, reliability, craftsmanship, and customer focus everywhere nowadays! A huge thank you to the entire team for the great work and the beautiful result! We are overjoyed with our new bathroom and can wholeheartedly and sincerely recommend this company!"
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S
Sabine
Guntramsdorf ·
Google
“
„NEW BATHROOM — For about 3 weeks now, we have been proud owners of a seamless bathroom and toilet. The first team from bazuba arrived on time and very punctual, professionally covering everything from the front door up to the bathroom, including the stairs, and began dismantling the old sanitary fixtures, disposing of everything no longer needed. From then on, work progressed quickly every day. Congratulations to your employees. Everyone was extremely friendly, polite, and really hardworking. No matter what was being done, we were always asked if everything was okay or if we had other wishes. The new walk-in shower is truly a dream, the walls seamless and so beautifully bright, and the floor really very nice and easy to maintain. The toilet was done in the same style. Simply beautiful. I wanted to wait with the review until I got used to the new bathroom. Every morning, when I enter our beautiful bathroom, I am very happy. No matter which team was on site, all employees did professional work. We will always remember the company bazuba from Guntramsdorf fondly and will gladly recommend them."
We will inspect your bathroom free of charge, advise you on suitable solutions, and provide a fixed price after the visit. Prefer to call? Free from Austria at 0800 66 55 36.
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