Applying for a care level – a step-by-step guide for relatives
A care level can make many things easier: financial support, relief in everyday life and concrete help for those affected and their relatives. But the path to getting there often seems complicated. In this article, we show you how to proceed in concrete terms – step by step and in understandable language.
What is a care level – and what is it for?
Care levels were introduced to assess a person's actual need for support – physical, mental and emotional. Depending on the care level, you will receive care benefits such as care allowance, care services or respite care. Relatives also benefit – for example, through training or respite care.
Step 1: Submit the application to the care insurance fund
The application for a care level is submitted to the care insurance fund, which is affiliated with the person's health insurance fund. You can submit the application informally, for example by telephone or in writing:
- One call is all it takes: ‘I would like to apply for care services.’
- Or in writing by letter or email, stating your name, insurance number and requesting that the documents be sent to you.
Tip: Make a note of the date you submit the application – benefits can be paid retroactively from this date.
Step 2: Assessment by the Medical Service (MD)
After submitting the application, an appointment is made with the Medical Service (MD). An assessor visits the person concerned at home and checks how independently they can still cope with everyday life.
It is very important that you are present at this appointment. Your observations and experiences from everyday life are valuable information for a fair assessment.
Typical areas of assessment:
- Mobility: e.g. walking, getting up
- Mental and communication skills
- Behavioural patterns and psychological problems
- Self-care: washing, eating, using the toilet
- Handling medication and therapies
- Daily routine & social contacts
📝 What you should prepare for the appointment with the MD:
- Make a note of typical everyday situations that are difficult (e.g. getting dressed, showering, climbing stairs)
- Keep a care diary for several days: Which activities require help – and how often?
- Have medical records ready (e.g. diagnoses, medication plans)
- What aids are used? (Walking frame, nursing bed, etc.)
- Be sure to attend the appointment – as a support and contact person
This preparation helps to convey a realistic picture of the care situation – and increases the chance of an appropriate classification.
Step 3: Receive the care level notification
After the assessment, you will receive a decision from the care insurance fund within a few weeks. You will be assigned one of the five care levels (1 to 5) – or your application will be rejected.
Important: The care level is not based on the diagnosis, but on the degree of independence.
What to do if you disagree with the result?
If you feel that the care level has been set too low or that your application has been wrongly rejected, you can appeal within one month.
In your appeal, describe as specifically as possible why you believe the assessment is incorrect. Medical certificates or additional statements may be helpful.
Tip: You do not have to write the appeal yourself. There are care support centres throughout Germany that offer free advice, including on appeals.
A final thought
Applying for a care level can seem overwhelming at first, especially in an already stressful everyday situation. But please remember:
‘You don't have to go through this alone. There are people, organisations and support services that can help you.’
If you came across this article via pflegetrick.de, then you know that there is simple, practical help available to make your everyday care routine easier – step by step. Feel free to take a look around the site – there is lots of helpful information waiting for you.
You are doing a great job – and it is perfectly OK to think about yourself too.