Respite Care: Use Up to €1,612 Per Year
What Is Respite Care (Verhinderungspflege)?
Respite care (Verhinderungspflege, also called substitute care) is a benefit from German long-term care insurance under § 39 SGB XI. It applies when the regular caregiver is temporarily unavailable — whether due to vacation, illness, or other reasons. In such cases, the care insurance fund covers the costs of substitute care up to 1,612 euros per calendar year.
All persons in need of care from care level 2 onwards who have been cared for at home for at least six months are entitled to respite care. This entitlement exists regardless of whether the caregiver is a family member or an external care worker.
How Can You Use Respite Care?
Respite care can be used in various ways:
- Hourly respite care: If the substitute care is less than 8 hours per day, the care allowance is not reduced. Ideal for regular relief.
- Daily respite care: For longer absences of the regular caregiver, e.g., during a vacation. The care allowance is reduced by 50% during this time.
- Combination with short-term care: Unused short-term care funds (up to 806 euros) can be transferred to respite care, increasing the total amount to up to 2,418 euros.
Who Can Provide Respite Care?
Substitute care can be provided by various people:
- Professional caregivers: Professional care workers or care services can provide respite care. Full reimbursement of up to 1,612 euros applies here.
- Close relatives: Relatives up to the second degree or household members receive a maximum of 1.5 times the care allowance. Additionally, proven expenses (e.g., travel costs) up to 1,612 euros can be reimbursed.
- Neighbors or acquaintances: Non-related persons receive the full reimbursement of up to 1,612 euros.
How to Apply for Respite Care
The application process is straightforward:
- Submit an informal application to your care insurance fund — often a phone call or email is sufficient.
- Specify the time period and type of substitute care.
- After the care has been provided, submit invoices or receipts to the care insurance fund.
- Reimbursement typically occurs within a few weeks.
Important: An application can also be submitted retroactively. Therefore, keep all receipts carefully.
Organize Respite Care Through Pflege Orga
With Pflege Orga, you can quickly and easily find a qualified substitute caregiver for respite care. Whether you need hourly relief or multi-day coverage — on our platform you will find flexible caregivers in your area. Use your respite care entitlement and take the well-deserved break while your loved one is in the best of care.