Applying for a care level in Germany: how to submit your application
You can apply for a care level informally at the care fund, which is part of your health insurance. Afterwards, the Medical Service will carry out an assessment, and the care fund usually makes a decision within 25 working days.
Here you will find out how to submit the application, including a template to copy, how to prepare for the assessment, and what to do if the care level awarded is too low.
Checked by Julien El-Bahy, bazuba headquartersStatus: 27 September 2026 · according to SGB XI, Medical Service and Consumer Advice Centre
In short
You submit the application informally to the care fund of your health insurance provider, preferably in writing. The Medical Service will carry out an assessment, and the care fund usually makes a decision within 25 working days.
Applicationinformallya single sentence by letter, fax or email is sufficient, the form will follow afterwardsTo the sample application
Until the decision notice25 daysrefers to working days; if the fund delays, it pays €70 per week or part thereofDecision notice and deadlines
Benefits frommonth of applicationeven if the decision comes later, there is no entitlement for the period beforeHow to submit your application
Do not wait: Payments are only made from the month in which the application is received by the care fund. Submit it with proof by letter, fax or email; you can provide medical reports later. To the sample application
Applies to Germany. Status: 27 September 2026, according to SGB XI, Federal Ministry of Health, Medical Service and Consumer Advice Centre. The decision of your care fund is binding. Checked by Julien El-Bahy (bazuba Central Office).
Where and how do I apply for a care level?
The care fund is responsible. It is part of your health insurance, and you can reach it via the same address and telephone number. Those with private insurance should contact their private care insurance. The care fund ultimately determines the care level; the Medical Service only carries out the assessment and makes a recommendation.
The application can be submitted by the person in need of care themselves or by someone with power of attorney, such as a child, partner, or legal guardian. The prerequisite is that contributions to the care insurance have been paid for at least two years in the last ten years, or that family insurance existed.
Three ways to apply
In writing: Letter, fax or email stating that you are applying for long-term care insurance benefits. This is the safest way, as the date can be documented. A template can be found further below.
Online: Many insurers offer the application in the customer portal or in their app.
By telephone: This is also possible, but please note the date, time and contact person, and request written confirmation of receipt.
The application step by step
Step
What happens
1. Submit application
Informally to the care fund. From this month onwards, benefits are available as soon as the care level is determined.
2. Fill in the form
The care fund will send you an application form. In it, you can choose, among other things, whether relatives provide care (care allowance) or a care service (care benefits in kind).
3. Care consultation
The fund must offer you a consultation appointment within two weeks or provide a consultation voucher, if desired also at your home.
4. Assessment
The Medical Service, or Medicproof for privately insured persons, will contact you and arrange a home visit. This takes up to one hour.
5. Decision
Usually within 25 working days at the latest. The Medical Service's report is usually included.
Source: SGB XI §§ 7b, 18, 18c and 33, Verbraucherzentrale, as of September 2026.
Urgent cases: hospital, rehabilitation, hospice
If care at home needs to be arranged after a hospital or rehabilitation stay, or if someone is in a hospice or receiving palliative care, the assessment takes place no later than the fifth working day. If someone is cared for at home and a relative has announced care leave or family care leave, the assessment is carried out within ten working days. In hospital, the social services can help with the application.
Why applying in 2026 may be worthwhile
The federal government is planning a care reform for 2027, the Care Reorganisation Act. According to the draft bill, the point thresholds for care levels 1 to 3 are to be raised; for example, care level 1 would only be granted from 15 points instead of 12.5. It is planned that the law in force at the time of application will apply, and existing care levels will remain. This has not yet been decided (as of 27 September 2026). If you already need help, you should not delay your application.
Sample application for a care level
Replace the information in square brackets. If you are submitting the application for a relative, use the first template section. Send it by fax, email, or post so you have proof of the date.
The nursing care fund processes applications in German, therefore the template remains in German. Please replace the information in square brackets with your own details, such as name, address, insurance number, and date.
[Vor- und Nachname]
[Straße und Hausnummer]
[PLZ und Ort]
Versichertennummer: [Nummer]
An die Pflegekasse der [Name der Krankenkasse]
[Anschrift]
[Ort], [Datum]
Antrag auf Leistungen der Pflegeversicherung
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
hiermit beantrage ich Leistungen der Pflegeversicherung [für mich / für Frau oder Herrn Vor- und Nachname, geboren am TT.MM.JJJJ, Versichertennummer].
Bitte senden Sie mir die Antragsunterlagen zu und beauftragen Sie die Begutachtung. Ich bitte außerdem um einen Termin zur Pflegeberatung nach § 7a SGB XI.
Bitte bestätigen Sie mir den Eingang dieses Antrags schriftlich.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Unterschrift]
[Anlage: Vollmacht]
Modules for special cases
Application for relatives
Ich stelle diesen Antrag im Auftrag von [Vor- und Nachname], die/der mich dazu bevollmächtigt hat. Eine Kopie der Vollmacht liegt bei. Bitte richten Sie Schreiben und Terminvorschläge an mich.
Meaning: I am submitting this application on behalf of [first and last name], who has authorised me to do so. A copy of the authorisation is enclosed. Please address correspondence and appointment proposals to me.
Urgent hospital case
[Vor- und Nachname] befindet sich derzeit im [Name des Krankenhauses]. Die Versorgung nach der Entlassung muss gesichert werden. Ich bitte daher um eine Begutachtung in der verkürzten Frist nach § 18a SGB XI.
Meaning: [First and last name] is currently in [name of hospital]. Arrangements for care after discharge must be ensured. I therefore request an assessment within the shortened period according to § 18a SGB XI.
Upgrade
Bei mir ist Pflegegrad [1 bis 4] anerkannt. Mein Zustand hat sich seitdem verschlechtert: [kurz beschreiben, was heute nicht mehr allein geht]. Ich beantrage deshalb eine Höherstufung und eine erneute Begutachtung.
Meaning: I have been recognised as having care level [1 to 4]. My condition has since deteriorated: [briefly describe what you can no longer do alone]. I am therefore applying for an upgrade and a new assessment.
Nothing more is needed for the initial application. Medical findings and the description of care needs will follow later with the form and during the assessment.
The assessment: how to prepare
The care fund commissions the Medical Service; for those with private insurance, Medicproof carries out the assessment. An assessor will contact you and visit you at home or in the care home. For first-time applications, a home visit is standard. Telephone or video assessments are only used for follow-up assessments, such as an upgrade, never for children or in case of an appeal, and you can request a home visit even then.
If no assessment takes place within 20 working days of the application, the care fund must offer you at least three independent assessors to choose from.
How the points are calculated
The assessment measures how independent someone is in six areas and converts this into points from 0 to 100. What matters is not the diagnoses, but what can no longer be managed alone in everyday life:
Area
Examples
Share
1. Mobility
Getting up, transferring, climbing stairs, moving around the home
10 %
2. Cognitive and communicative abilities
Orientation, remembering, making decisions, conversations
15 %together with area 3, the higher value counts
3. Behaviour and psychological issues
Night-time restlessness, anxiety, resistance to care
counts with area 2
4. Self-care
Washing, showering, dressing, eating, using the toilet
40 %
5. Managing illness and therapy
Medication, dressings, doctor visits
20 %
6. Everyday life and social contacts
Structuring daily routine, maintaining contacts
15 %
From 12.5 points there is care level 1, from 27 care level 2, from 47.5 care level 3, from 70 care level 4 and from 90 care level 5. Source: § 15 SGB XI. All levels with benefits in the guide Care grades in Germany.
Tips for the appointment
Describe honestly, neither downplay nor exaggerate. Many people try to put on a brave face out of embarrassment and show themselves on a particularly good day, which lowers the points.
Have the carer present, ideally the relative who provides most of the help.
Prepare documents: medical reports, discharge letters, the current medication plan, a disability ID card, and a list of aids.
Keep a care diary for one to two weeks, as recommended by the VdK social association: what help is given, how often, and for how long.
Mention night-time and psychological issues: night-time toilet visits, falls, restlessness, forgetfulness. These are counted in separate areas.
The decision: deadlines, care level and payments
The care fund must make a written decision within 25 working days of receiving the application. If it exceeds this deadline and is responsible for the delay, it must pay an extra €70 for each week or part thereof since 2026. This does not apply if someone with at least care level 2 is already living in a care home. The decision will include the assessment report, which you can also request later.
Care level
Points
Care allowance 2026
Care service until
Care level 1
12.5 to under 27
–
–
Care level 2
27 to under 47.5
347 €
796 €
Care level 3
47.5 to under 70
599 €
1.497 €
Care level 4
70 to under 90
800 €
1.859 €
Care level 5
90 to 100
990 €
2.299 €
Monthly amounts in Germany, unchanged since 2025 and for 2026. For care level 1, there is no care allowance, but there is a relief amount of €131 per month. The care allowance is provided when relatives provide care; the amount for the care service is provided as a care benefit in kind. Source: Federal Ministry of Health, 'Benefit entitlements 2026'.
Good to know after the decision
Pension for family caregivers: Anyone who cares for someone with care level 2 or higher for at least ten hours per week on at least two days and works no more than 30 hours will receive pension insurance contributions from the care fund.
Hospital: From 2026, care allowance will continue for eight weeks instead of four during a hospital stay.
Additional benefits: Relief allowance, care aids, short-term and respite care, as well as up to €4,180 for a renovation such as in the bathroom. The overview can be found in the guide Care grades in Germany.
Care level rejected or too low: appeal and upgrade
You can appeal the decision within one month of receipt at the care fund. The consumer advice centre recommends sending the appeal by registered post with return receipt or by fax; a simple email is not sufficient. You can submit the reasoning later.
Read the assessment and note which limitations are missing or rated too low.
Include new findings and the care diary.
Usually, a second assessment follows, again as a home visit.
If the care fund maintains its decision, you can file a claim at the social court within one month of the appeal decision. Court costs are generally not incurred there.
If care needs increase later
If the condition worsens, you can informally apply for an upgrade, most easily using the template section above. The care fund will arrange another assessment, often by telephone or video for upgrades, but also at home if requested.
Is your bathroom becoming an obstacle? In Germany, the care insurance fund contributes up to €4,180.Bathtub door in 1 day, shower instead of a bathtub in 2 to 3 days. Free inspection with a quote for your application.
Renovate your bathroom with a care level: up to €4,180 grant
In Germany, the long-term care insurance fund pays starting from care level 1 up to €4,180 per measure that facilitates home care, regardless of income. If several people in need of care live in the household, up to €16,720 is possible. A typical example is a safe entry into the bathroom. Important: first submit the application, then place the order. How to submit the application, including a template and justification, can be found in the guide Bathroom conversion with the care fund.
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.
At the care fund, which is part of your health insurance. Those with private insurance submit the application to their private care insurance. The care fund makes the decision; the Medical Service only carries out the assessment.
Yes, both are possible. The safest way is a short application by letter, fax, or email, as the date can be documented. If you call, ask for written confirmation of receipt.
Yes, with a power of attorney or as a legal guardian. Attach the power of attorney to the application, and the care fund will send the correspondence to you.
From the month in which the application is received by the care fund, even if the decision comes later. No back payments are made for the period before that.
The care fund must make a decision no later than 25 working days after the application. If it is responsible for a delay, it pays €70 for each commenced week. In the case of hospital, rehabilitation, or hospice, the assessment takes place no later than the fifth working day.
The Medical Service, or Medicproof for privately insured persons, will announce the appointment and visit your home. Within up to one hour, six areas are assessed to determine how independently you manage daily life. This results in points and the care level.
Keep a care diary for one to two weeks, have medical reports, medication plan, and list of aids ready, involve the caregiver, and describe everything honestly, including night-time assistance, falls, and forgetfulness.
File an objection with the care fund within one month of receipt, by registered letter or fax. You can submit the reasoning later. After that, a claim can be filed with the social court, usually without court fees.
If you already need help, yes. A reform is planned for 2027, according to which the point thresholds for care levels 1 to 3 are to be raised. It has not yet been decided. It is intended that existing care levels remain and that the law at the time of application applies for new applications.
Yes, in Germany from care level 1 up to €4,180 per measure, for example for a bathtub door or a shower instead of a bathtub. You must submit the application before commissioning the work.
Continue to care levels and bathroom renovation
Care grades in Germany
All 5 care levels in 2026 with points, care allowance, and further benefits.
„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."
Auto-translated from German
MS
Marco S.
Rostock ·
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."
Auto-translated from German
PG
Peter G.
Karlsruhe ·
Google
“
„Big praise! As part of a planned bathroom remodel and a visual upgrade, we were looking for a company that understands a bathroom renovation also as a renovation and/or partial remodel, and doesn’t start out with the philosophy and advice: "best to gut everything and start completely new..." From the first contact after internet research, on-site and showroom consultation, to the creation of a fair offer and the final execution of the agreed services, everything was excellent. Nowadays, it’s no longer a given that, for example, in sales talks, cheaper alternatives are honestly and openly discussed, or that the involved craftsmen work well beyond their usual finishing times multiple times to keep the scheduled timeframe for the customer. At any time, unexpected special features and surprises were handled flexibly and suitable alternatives were implemented. After the work was completed, the handover showed flawless completion with very good quality regarding seamless wall coating, pre-wall installation, walk-in shower, new designer floor, etc."
Auto-translated from German
DH
Dr. H.
Berlin ·
Google
“
„Bathroom grout renovation/Bathroom fan replacement/Water heater replacement A great team! I've used the Bazuba team a total of three times. Each time, the necessary repair was done quickly and carefully, even though these were rather small jobs. Getting in touch directly through the website is easy, and the work gets done smoothly, even though I don't live on site and have to manage the repairs from 600 km away. I was especially impressed by the thoroughness and initiative when Mr. Otte asked for the caretaker's or property management's number to arrange the replacement of a fuse in the basement, which is not publicly accessible. You rarely find that kind of commitment. I'm glad to have found Mr. Rausch and the bazuba team."
Auto-translated from German
GG
Gabriele G.
Berlin ·
Google
“
„The day before yesterday and yesterday, Mr. John Sarkösi repaired the bathtub in our beautiful guest bathroom. The repair became necessary after water damage destroyed the electronics of the whirlpool inside the tub. Installing a new whirlpool would have been too complicated for various reasons. I happened to discover the company bazuba online, and after several inquiries, they offered to repair the tub without having to remove it. Mr. Sarkösi did an excellent job, and the tub looks like new again. Mr. Sarkösi was very friendly and worked very cleanly. We were completely satisfied. Really recommendable. Many thanks, Helmke Priess"
Auto-translated from German
HP
Helmke P.
Rostock ·
Google
“
„Very professional and excellent support from the consultation with Mr. Seper, through the handling of the renovation, to the completion of the project. All appointments were kept punctually as agreed. Great importance was placed on cleanliness, and the construction site was never left without cleaning up. The collaboration was almost friendly. The result speaks for itself; it turned out very nicely. Big praise to the entire team at bazuba/Guntramsdorf and especially to Mr. Delic's team. The cohesion and the "togetherness" were clearly noticeable. Gladly again anytime! What else do you renovate? A heartfelt thank you! Silvia Holly"
Auto-translated from German
SH
Silvia H.
Rostock ·
Google
“
„Very happy with our new bathroom Many thanks to Herbel Bädertraum – a bazuba specialist company – for renovating our bathroom. From the first contact, it was a very pleasant collaboration. Mr. Herbel gave us excellent advice, took plenty of time, and was always available to answer questions and discuss our requests. The remodel of our small bathroom took 11 working days; everything was perfectly planned and coordinated. The craftsmen were friendly and accommodating, offered suggestions, and made adjustments according to our wishes. We are very satisfied with the quality of the work and the result. Many thanks and our unreserved recommendation."
We will inspect your bathroom free of charge, advise you on suitable solutions, and provide you with a cost estimate for your application to the care fund. Prefer to call? Free of charge from Germany at 0800 90 44 2000.
Sie sehen gerade einen Platzhalterinhalt von Vimeo. Um auf den eigentlichen Inhalt zuzugreifen, klicken Sie auf die Schaltfläche unten. Bitte beachten Sie, dass dabei Daten an Drittanbieter weitergegeben werden.
Sie sehen gerade einen Platzhalterinhalt von YouTube. Um auf den eigentlichen Inhalt zuzugreifen, klicken Sie auf die Schaltfläche unten. Bitte beachten Sie, dass dabei Daten an Drittanbieter weitergegeben werden.
