Status: September 2026 · Application possible without formal requirements

Apply for care allowance
in Austria

The care allowance is an important resource when caring for a relative in Austria. Here we explain how you can apply for care allowance – from determining the need for care to receiving the official decision.

Discover how you can secure the necessary funds for optimal care.

65 hours
Monthly care requirement is the thresholdBelow this, there is no care allowanceThe application can be made informally. Payment is made from the first day of the month following the application.
WhereInformally to the relevant insurance provider, usually the pension insurance, or online via oesterreich.gv.at
AssessmentAnnounced home visit by a doctor or a qualified nursing professional
DecisionThe decision must be issued within 6 months, otherwise a delay complaint is possible
Classified too lowAppeal to the Labour and Social Court within 3 months; the procedure is free of charge

Do not postpone: Care allowance is only granted from the first day of the month after the application; no one pays retroactively. Every month of delay costs the full amount. Which level provides how much is shown in the Overview of the seven care levels.

Status: September 2026, according to information from oesterreich.gv.at and the pension insuranceThe decision of your authority is decisive.

Apply for care allowance in Austria

Austria recognises seven care levels. Unlike in Germany, where care grades determine benefits in kind and cash benefits, here there is only one cash benefit: the care allowance. It is intended to cover the additional costs of care and to enable care at home. The person in need of care decides for themselves how the money is used and which form of care is chosen.

Who can apply for care allowance?

Anyone who is permanently dependent on care due to a physical, mental or psychological impairment or a sensory disability can apply for the care allowance. Three conditions must be met: the need for care exceeds 65 hours per month, it is expected to last at least six months, and the person has their habitual residence in Austria. The application can be submitted by the person concerned, relatives, or carers.

How does the application process for care allowance work?

Step 1: Determining the need for care

First, assess whether the need for care exceeds 65 hours per month. Care services such as help with dressing and undressing, personal hygiene, eating, using the toilet, taking medication, and mobility, as well as assistance in the household, are counted. Collect medical reports, hospital discharge summaries, and a list of medications. A care diary kept over two weeks helps with the assessment, as it provides evidence of the effort involved.

Step 2: Submitting the care allowance application

The application can be made informally. You submit it to the relevant insurance provider, in most cases the pension insurance, alternatively to the SVS or BVAEB. Online submission is possible via oesterreich.gv.at. If the application is sent to the wrong authority, it must be forwarded. Attach medical reports. Important regarding timing: the care allowance is only granted from the first day of the month following the application; no retroactive payments are made.

Step 3: Assessment of the need for care

After receipt of the application, a doctor or a qualified health and nursing professional will make an announced home visit. The actual need for care and assistance is assessed in areas such as personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and household, measured in hours per month. A trusted person may be present. Describe an average day, not an exceptionally good one.

Step 4: Receiving the care allowance decision

Based on the assessment, the decision-making authority issues a notice. This must be done within six months of receipt of the application. The care allowance is divided into seven levels, from level 1 for more than 65 hours up to level 7 for the most severe impairments. The notice states the monthly amount, which is paid retrospectively twelve times a year. Income tax and health insurance contributions are not deducted.

When the notice arrives

The decision is not the final stop. There are five things worth knowing before you file it away.

  • The level is too lowYou may file a lawsuit with the Labour and Social Court within three months of receiving the decision. An appeal to the insurance provider is not provided for. The procedure is free of charge for you.
  • The need for care increasesIn that case, submit an application for an increase. The process is the same as for the initial application, with a new assessment. Payment also starts from the month after the application is submitted.
  • No decision is issued at allThe decision-maker has six months from receipt of the application. After that, a default action is possible. If the entitlement to benefits is clear in principle, an advance payment must be made beforehand.
  • Stay in hospitalIf a social insurance provider, the federal government, a regional health fund or a health care institution covers the costs, the care allowance is suspended from the second day. After discharge, payments resume.
  • How you use the moneyThat is up to you. The care allowance is not earmarked: it can pay for care, a transport service or the renovation of the bathroom. In Vienna, there is an additional special grant from the city as well.

Care allowance approved? Then your bathroom can become safeWe will inspect your bathroom and calculate the renovation costs, free of charge and without obligation. How you use the care allowance is entirely up to you.

Conclusion

Applying for care allowance in Austria may seem complex at first glance, but with our detailed step-by-step guide, you can successfully navigate this process. From determining the need for care, to submitting the application, to receiving the care allowance decision – every detail matters. Applying for and receiving care allowance can make a significant difference by making everyday life easier for those in need of care and providing the necessary resources. Use this knowledge to ensure the best possible care for your loved ones and to offer them the support they need.

Frequently asked questions about applying for care allowance in Austria

Anyone who, due to a physical, mental or psychological impairment or a sensory disability, needs more than 65 hours of care per month, is expected to need it for at least six months, and has their habitual residence in Austria, is entitled. Those receiving an Austrian pension may, under certain circumstances, also receive the care allowance in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

The application can be made informally, in writing to the relevant insurance provider or online via oesterreich.gv.at. The pension insurance is usually responsible, depending on the insurance also the SVS or BVAEB. If the application is sent to the wrong authority, it must be forwarded.

The application should describe what assistance the person in need of care requires and how much time this takes. Attach medical reports, hospital discharge summaries, and a list of medications. A care diary kept over two weeks helps to provide evidence of the effort involved.

A doctor or a qualified health and nursing professional will make an announced home visit and determine the need for care and assistance in hours per month. Areas such as personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and household are assessed. A trusted person may be present.

The amount is determined by the number of hours required as established in the assessment and is regulated in seven levels: level 1 from more than 65 hours per month with 206.20 euros up to level 7 with 2,214.80 euros. The amounts apply from 1 January 2026.

The care allowance is paid retrospectively twelve times a year by the decision-making authority, usually by the pension insurance. Income tax and health insurance contributions are not deducted. If the person is in hospital or a rehabilitation clinic, payment is suspended from the second day if a social insurance provider, the federal government, a regional health fund, or a health care institution covers the costs.

You can file a claim against the notice within three months of delivery at the Labour and Social Court. There is no appeal to the insurance provider. The procedure is free of charge for you. If the need for care increases later, you should instead submit an application for an increase with a new assessment.

Do you have a question? We have the answer!

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bazuba — all locations
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473 real customer reviews
Sources: Google (292) Herold (181)

„On the recommendation of a friend, we got in touch with bazuba Rostock for our bathroom renovation. Since it’s a rental apartment, there were quite a few things to consider with the landlord/owner’s approval, but we were able to implement many individual wishes at our own expense. The initial contact was very pleasant, and first, an assessment was made, and of course, the initial ideas and wishes for the project were recorded. The basic task was to transform the over 20-year-old tiled bathroom with an old bathtub into a modern seamless bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The company’s showroom had quite a few displays, where we could get our first personal impressions. Then we put together the rest from the catalogs, and we also relied on the advice and recommendations of the boss there, who contributed some great ideas. Then we received an offer with a 3D visualization of the finished bathroom. This allowed us to work very well together with the owner and bazuba on the details and arrive at a final result. The correspondence between bazuba and the owner also went very smoothly, and we were very well informed about delivery times, construction times, and the entire process up to the finished bathroom. We helped set up the construction site by covering the floor and cabinets, and the company’s employees were very friendly and informative about the work steps. We hardly had to ask anything because every morning we were informed about what would happen that day until quitting time. The announced construction time was even undercut by 2 days because everything really fit together, and the trades worked hand in hand. The handover and the finished result, including explanations of all the components, care instructions, and warranties, worked wonderfully and were presented to us very transparently. All in all, we are very satisfied with the result, and for the small space available, it almost feels like being in a good hotel when you step into the shower in the morning 😉 I can definitely recommend bazuba Rostock and am happy to show some before-and-after pictures. It’s not decorated or furnished yet, but it’s about the raw result."

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Marco S.
Rostock · Google

„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 our roughly 50-year-old bathroom and the equally old toilet renovated by bazuba, and also had the shower in the second bathroom modernized. From the very first (phone) contact, we had a good feeling. Bathroom planner Raffael came to our home and went through the various measures with us, advising us well and being very patient. We were also able to discuss the price well with him, and in the end, he made us an offer that we were very happy with. We had also obtained quotes from competitors, which were significantly more expensive — we’re talking +50% and more. The implementation then went perfectly. First came the dismantling team, then the electricians, the plasterers/floor layers, and finally the assembly team. Overall, the work took almost three weeks, but that was agreed upon in advance and was therefore fine. All 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 to us. Spontaneous change requests on our part were received and implemented kindly. At the same time, planner Raffael and project manager Anel were always reachable for us and responded quickly to our questions. The result speaks for itself: from old-fashioned, dark rooms with very worn installations, we now have friendly, modern wet rooms that you enjoy entering again. The planning concept was implemented 100% in reality and at what we believe is a really fair price. No hassle with the craftsmen, quite the opposite — it was a pleasure, and we can warmly recommend the entire bazuba team."

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Harry B.
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

„Due to water damage in 2023 and subsequent repair work by a specialist company, we were then looking for a company to get our bathroom back in shape. This turned out to be not so easy; local companies either declined due to lack of time or didn’t show up despite appointments. Through internet research, we came across bazuba in Karlsruhe. We quickly had a first appointment with Mr. Glutsch. He arrived on time at our place, listened to our ideas about remodeling the bathroom, and shared his professional knowledge and comments. He took measurements, made notes, and promised to prepare an offer, which arrived in the shortest time. Due to several work appointments with bazuba, he already told us in advance that the work would be delayed and we should expect a date in March/April. But that didn’t matter to us in the end, since thanks to the preliminary work of the renovation company, we could still use our 30-year-old bathroom. When choosing the ceramics and the walk-in shower, we were with Mr. Glutsch at C.Ufer in KA (top advice!). In April, the work started on our partially renovated bathroom. After about 2 weeks, we could fully use our new bathroom; for the shower enclosure, we had to make do with a temporary solution, which was replaced after 5 weeks by a glass partition from Kermi. All in all, we were very impressed by the support and advice from bazuba (special thanks to Mr. Glutsch). A big compliment to the two skilled workers responsible for the work!! Without a doubt, 5 stars for bazuba."

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Peter G.
Karlsruhe · 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