Household Check: Everything You Need to Know
What Is the Haushaltsscheck (Household Check)?
The Haushaltsscheck (Household Check) is a simplified registration and contribution system run by Germany’s Minijob-Zentrale. It allows private households to legally and easily register domestic helpers and caregivers. For families looking for care support for their loved ones, this system is particularly relevant as it protects both employers and employees.
Many families in Germany employ care helpers without official registration — often due to a lack of awareness about the simple options available. The Haushaltsscheck makes legal employment as easy as possible while providing protection for both parties.
How Does the Registration Process Work?
Registering through the Haushaltsscheck is straightforward and involves just a few steps:
- Registration: As an employer, you register with the Minijob-Zentrale and automatically receive your company number.
- Fill out the Haushaltsscheck: Enter the personal details of your care helper and the monthly wages.
- Pay contributions: The Minijob-Zentrale calculates the contributions and collects them via direct debit. The total contribution is approximately 14.94% of gross pay.
- Annual confirmation: At the end of the year, you receive a certificate for your tax return.
What Are the Benefits?
Using the Haushaltsscheck offers numerous advantages:
- Tax savings: Up to 20% of costs (maximum 510 euros per year) can be deducted directly from your tax liability.
- Accident insurance: Your care helper is automatically covered by statutory accident insurance.
- Pension insurance: Employees build pension entitlements, which is especially important for long-term care arrangements.
- Legal security: You avoid the risk of fines for undeclared work, which can reach up to 5,000 euros.
- Simple processing: The Minijob-Zentrale handles all social insurance contribution administration.
Combining the Haushaltsscheck with Care Allowance
Particularly attractive is combining the Haushaltsscheck with Germany’s care allowance (Pflegegeld). Families receiving care allowance under § 37 SGB XI can use it to pay a care helper registered via the Haushaltsscheck. The care allowance ranges from 332 euros (care level 2) to 947 euros (care level 5) per month, depending on the care level.
Through Pflege Orga, you can find qualified care helpers in your area whom you can register directly via the Haushaltsscheck. Our platform supports you in finding the right caregiver and meeting all legal requirements.
Conclusion
The Haushaltsscheck is the ideal tool for families who want to legally employ a care helper. With minimal bureaucratic effort, you protect both yourself and your caregiver while benefiting from tax advantages. Use Pflege Orga to take the first step and find the right care helper.