Bathroom renovation with the care fund: up to €4,180 subsidy
If someone in your household has a care level, the care insurance fund will pay up to €4,180 for the renovation of the bathroom, for example for a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub or a bathtub door. This applies from care level 1 and is not dependent on income.
Here you will find information on when the care insurance fund pays, how to submit the application, including a template to copy. Different rules apply in Austria, such as the subsidy from the City of Vienna.
Checked by Julien El-Bahy, bazuba headquartersStatus: 23 September 2026 · Basis: § 40 SGB XI
In short
With a care level, the care fund pays up to €4,180 for bathroom renovation. It is essential that you submit the application before placing the order.
Grantup to €4,180per person with a care level, up to €16,720 in total for up to four people in the householdWho is eligible
Requirementfrom care level 1regardless of income and age, also in rented accommodationAll requirements
Decision3 weeksDeadline of the care fund, 5 weeks with assessment. After that, the application is considered approved.To the application
Important: First submit the application, then place the order. After construction has started, the care fund usually no longer pays. To the sample application
Applies to Germany (§ 40 paragraph 4 SGB XI). In Austria, the federal states provide funding, for example Vienna with up to 7,500 eurosAs of: 23 September 2026. Checked by Julien El-Bahy (bazuba headquarters). No legal advice; the decision of your care fund is decisive.
Requirements: When does the care fund pay for a bathroom renovation?
The long-term care insurance fund provides subsidies for modifications that enable care at home, significantly facilitate it, or help maintain an independent lifestyle for as long as possible. In the law, these are called measures to improve the living environment (§ 40 paragraph 4 SGB XI). In the bathroom, this mainly means: safe access to the shower or bath, standing securely, and being able to hold on.
Care level 1 to 5 is recognised. Without a care level, there is no subsidy; in that case, apply for the Apply for care level.
The renovation supports care provision or independent living, for example if getting into the bath is no longer safe.
The application must be submitted before work begins to the long-term care insurance fund, together with a cost estimate.
The flat is your permanent household. In a rented flat, the landlord’s consent is required. He may only refuse a renovation for people with disabilities if it is unreasonable for him (§ 554 BGB).
Several people in need of care in the household
If several people with a care level live in the household and all benefit from the renovation, the care fund pays up to €4,180 per person, up to a maximum of €16,720 in total. A married couple with two care levels can therefore receive up to €8,360 for the shared bathroom.
How often is the subsidy available?
The amount applies per measure, not per year. Everything required at the time of application counts together as one measure, even if it involves several works, such as a shower, grab rails, and a wider door. If the care situation changes later so that further renovations are necessary, you can apply again for up to €4,180.
These bathroom renovations are covered by the care fund
Funding is provided for anything that removes a barrier. New tiles or fittings for aesthetic reasons only are not included. Typical measures in the bathroom:
level-access shower instead of a bathtub
Bathtub door for a low entry into the existing bathtub
non-slip surfaces in the bathtub, shower, and on the floor
permanently installed grab rails and folding support handles
raised toilet, accessible washbasin
wider door, removal of thresholds
Mobile aids such as bath lifts, shower stools, or suction grab rails are not covered by the care fund, but by the health insurance with a doctor’s prescription.
What it costs with us
Renovation
with bazuba
What the care fund pays
Tub out, shower inlevel with the floor, with grab handles and slip resistance
from around €4,500, usually up to €8,000
up to €4,180, you cover the remaining amount yourself and can deduct it from your taxes
can cover the full costs if approved by the care fund
Anti-slip finishBathtub or shower tray
From around €450
in individual cases, best applied for together with another renovation
Guide prices with some flexibility, depending on the bathroom and the company. We will provide the exact price after the free inspection.
An example calculation
The conversion from a bathtub to a walk-in shower costs 6,500 euros. The care insurance fund pays 4,180 euros, your personal contribution is 2,320 euros. You can deduct this personal contribution as an extraordinary expense on your tax return; the care level certificate is usually sufficient as proof. Learn more in the Tax guide.
Application to the care fund in 5 steps
Clarify care level
Without a recognised care level, there is no subsidy. If you do not yet have one, please apply for it first with your care insurance fund. How to apply for a care level
Seek advice and obtain a cost estimate
The cost estimate should be itemised, not a lump sum. We will inspect your bathroom free of charge and prepare the quote in the format required by the care insurance fund.
Submit application
The application can be informal; many care insurance funds also have their own form. Our template can be used. Please enclose:
cost estimate
brief justification
copy of the care level certificate
for rented accommodation: landlord's consent
Wait for the decision
The care insurance fund has three weeks to decide, or five weeks if it involves the Medical Service or a care professional. If they do not respond within this period and do not give a reason for the delay, the application is considered approved (§ 40 paragraph 7 SGB XI).
Have the work carried out and settle the invoice
After approval, you place the order. Submit the invoice to the care insurance fund. They will pay the subsidy to you or, if you agree, directly to the contractor.
A cost estimate recognised by the care insurance fundItemised, with the barrier-reducing measures clearly specified. We will inspect your bathroom free of charge and without obligation.
Sample application and justification for the care fund
An informal application is sufficient. Replace the information in square brackets and insert one of the building blocks for the justification. It is important that the justification states what is no longer safe in the bathroom today and how the renovation will help.
[Vor- und Nachname]
[Straße und Hausnummer]
[PLZ und Ort]
Versichertennummer: [Nummer]
An die Pflegekasse [Name der Kasse]
[Anschrift]
[Ort], [Datum]
Antrag auf Zuschuss für eine wohnumfeldverbessernde Maßnahme nach § 40 Absatz 4 SGB XI
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
hiermit beantrage ich einen Zuschuss für den Umbau meines Badezimmers. Bei mir ist Pflegegrad [1 bis 5] anerkannt.
Geplant ist: [zum Beispiel Ausbau der Badewanne und Einbau einer bodengleichen Dusche mit Haltegriffen und rutschhemmendem Boden].
Begründung: [einen der Bausteine unten einsetzen und an Ihre Situation anpassen]
Der Kostenvoranschlag der Firma [Name des Betriebs] über [Betrag] Euro liegt bei. Mit den Arbeiten wird erst nach Ihrer Zusage begonnen.
Bitte überweisen Sie den Zuschuss auf folgendes Konto: [IBAN, Kontoinhaber].
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Unterschrift]
Anlagen: Kostenvoranschlag, Kopie des Pflegegrad-Bescheids[, Zustimmung des Vermieters]
Building blocks for the justification
Shower instead of bathtub
I can no longer safely step over the high edge of the bathtub and need help getting in and out. With a level-access shower, I can wash myself independently again, and my carer no longer has to lift me into the tub.
Bathtub door
The edge of the bathtub has become too high for me to step over. A door in the bathtub lowers the entry height, so I can use the tub again without assistance.
Risk of falling
I have already fallen in the bathroom or feel unsteady on my feet. A non-slip floor and securely mounted grab rails reduce the risk of falling and make it easier for my carer to assist me.
Only select what applies to you and describe specifically what you are no longer able to do in the bathroom. A medical certificate is not required, but it can support your justification.
Three mistakes that can cost you the grant
The contract before approval. Anyone who signs the contract before the care fund has given approval risks losing the subsidy. Consultation and cost estimate, however, are unproblematic.
A lump sum offer. If the offer only states a total amount for the entire bathroom, the care fund cannot see which part removes a barrier. An itemised offer makes this clear.
No justification. Without reference to the care situation, the care fund will ask for clarification or involve the Medical Service, which takes time.
If the application is rejected, you can submit a written objection within one month of receiving the decision. You should then supplement the justification, for example with an assessment from your doctor or care service.
If the renovation costs more than €4,180
You are responsible for the remaining costs. Three options can assist you:
Tax: You can claim your personal contribution as an extraordinary expense under § 33 EStG, including materials. To the tax guide
KfW Loan 159: Up to 50,000 euros at favourable interest rates through your bank, for separately invoiced partial measures. The KfW grant 455-B is no longer available as of 31 July 2026. To the KfW guide
Health insurance: Aids such as bath lifts or shower seats with a doctor’s prescription.
You cannot receive funding twice for the same invoice: Any subsidy from the care fund excludes the tax bonus for tradesman services under § 35a EStG.
Frequently asked questions about bathroom renovation with the care fund
If a care level from 1 to 5 is recognised in the household and the renovation makes home care easier or enables independent living, for example a level-access shower instead of a bathtub. The application must be submitted to the care fund before work begins. This applies in Germany according to § 40 paragraph 4 SGB XI.
Up to €4,180 per measure and per person with a care level. If several people in need of care live in the household, there is up to €4,180 per person, up to a maximum of €16,720 in total. The subsidy does not have to be repaid and is not dependent on income.
The amount applies per measure, not per year. Everything required at the time of application counts as one measure. If the care situation changes later so that further renovations are necessary, you can apply again for up to €4,180.
Yes. Submit the application before you place the order. After construction has started, the care fund usually no longer pays. Consultation and cost estimate may take place beforehand.
Please describe specifically what is no longer safe in your bathroom today, for example stepping over the edge of the bathtub, and how the renovation will help, such as being able to wash yourself again with a level-access shower. At the top of this page you will find building blocks to copy.
The care fund has three weeks to respond, or five weeks if it involves the Medical Service or a care professional. If they do not respond within this period and do not provide a reason, the application is considered approved (§ 40 paragraph 7 SGB XI).
Yes. You need the landlord’s consent for this. According to § 554 BGB, they may only refuse a renovation for people with disabilities if it is unreasonable for them. Please include the consent with your application.
Yes, a bathtub door makes access easier and therefore counts as a measure to improve the living environment. With us, it costs from around 2,900 euros, so the subsidy of up to 4,180 euros can fully cover the costs if the care fund agrees.
Submit a written objection within one month of receiving the decision. Add to your reasoning, for example with an assessment from your doctor or care service. An itemised quote showing the individual barrier-reducing measures often helps as well.
No. The Pflegekasse and § 40 SGB XI only exist in Germany. In Austria, the federal states support barrier-free renovations, for example, the City of Vienna offers up to €7,500. More information in the guide. Funding for bathroom renovation in Vienna.
Suitable for bathroom renovation with care level
Tub out, shower in
The most common case for the care fund: level-access shower in 2 to 3 days.
„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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MS
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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HB
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"
We will inspect your bathroom and prepare the itemised cost estimate as required by the care fund. Prefer to call? Germany 0800 90 44 2000, Austria 0800 66 55 36, both free of charge.
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