Nursing Care Benefits 2026: Table & Amounts by Care Level
Nursing care benefits 2026 remain unchanged. The monthly amounts continue to correspond to the 2025 level. Here you will find an overview of all amounts by care level as well as the most important changes and benefits.
Nursing care allowance 2026: Amounts and overview
No increase in care allowance in 2026.
The monthly amounts remain unchanged:
-
Care Level 1: no care allowance (€131 relief amount)
-
Care Level 2: €347 monthly
-
Care Level 3: €599 monthly
-
Care Level 4: €800 monthly
-
Care Level 5: €990 monthly
What Changes with the 2026 Nursing Care Reform?
Even if nursing care benefits are not increased in 2026, the German government is planning various reforms to relieve the burden on those in need of care and their relatives. The aim is to make care more flexible, secure, and easier to plan. An overview of the most important planned changes:
-
More support for relatives (e.g., family care allowance planned)
-
Adjustment of care services (e.g., nursing care benefits & in-kind benefits)
-
More flexible care models (easier transition between home & care facility)
- Improvements in the healthcare system (e.g., hospital reform)
Changes for Family Caregivers
More than 75% of those in need of care are looked after at home by family members. The 2026 reform acknowledges this contribution and aims to specifically relieve the burden on informal carers.
Family Care Benefit
The introduction of a family care benefit is planned. Similar to parental leave benefits, this aims to provide financial compensation for informal carers during their caregiving period.
Free Online Caregiving Courses
Free online caregiving courses support family members with practical tips for everyday caregiving and provide important knowledge for safe care at home.
Additionally, you can increase safety at home, for example with a Gardia emergency call bracelet. It offers quick help in case of falls or emergencies, around the clock – a real added value for family caregivers. The monthly costs are reimbursable by health insurance companies for care grades 1 and above.
Care Services 2026:
Financial Support at a Glance
Nursing care benefits in 2026 are to be continuously adapted to the increasing number of people in need of care. Nursing care benefits in 2026 will largely remain at the 2025 level. Further adjustments may be decided in the coming years.
Nursing Care Benefit 2026: Table and Amount by Care Level
Nursing care allowance 2026 and its amount according to care level are particularly frequently searched for. The following overview shows you how much support you will receive monthly.
-
Care Level 1: no nursing care allowance (but 131 € relief amount)
-
Care Level 2: 347 € monthly
-
Care Level 3: 599 € monthly
-
Care Level 4: 800 € monthly
-
Care Level 5: 990 € monthly
Important: There will be no further increase in nursing care allowance in 2026 – the amounts will remain at the 2025 level. The nursing care allowance is paid if care is predominantly provided by relatives or privately organized.
More safety for the whole family
Starting from care level 1, the monthly subscription costs are reimbursable by the long-term care insurance fund.
These benefits are designed to give you more financial flexibility for aids, caregivers, or additional support. The Gardia emergency wristband can even be used as a monthly billable home emergency call system, so that you are not only covered in your daily care routine, but also benefit from long-term care insurance.
Improvements for Healthcare Professionals
The shortage of skilled workers remains one of the biggest challenges in the care sector. The Care Reform 2026 aims to improve training, working conditions, and remuneration – a step that will ultimately benefit all those in need of care.
Standardized Training for Care Assistants
The previously disparate training standards for care assistants are to be harmonized nationwide. The goal is to provide practical training for skilled workers, expand their competencies, and facilitate recognition between federal states.
Care Minimum Wage
The care minimum wage will be further increased: From July 2025, it will be €16.10 per hour for care support staff and €20.50 for qualified skilled workers. A further adjustment is likely in 2026 to adequately reward the high responsibility and burden on care staff.
Conclusion: Care Allowance 2026 Remains Stable
Care allowance 2026 remains at the 2025 level. At the same time, the federal government is planning further reforms to support those in need of care and their relatives. Those who are cared for at home can also benefit from aids and supportive services from the long-term care insurance fund.
FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions
Will nursing care benefits be increased in 2026?
No, nursing care benefits will not be increased in 2026. The last adjustment was made on January 1, 2025, when nursing care benefits were increased by 4.5%. Another increase is planned for 2028 at the earliest, with the exact amount not yet determined. However, the introduction of a family care benefit is planned from mid-2026. This is intended to provide financial support to family caregivers and is designed as an income replacement benefit. A payment of 65% of the last net income is planned, with a minimum of €300 and a maximum of €1,800 per month. Relatives who completely or partially suspend their employment to care for a family member are eligible.
What changes in nursing in 2026?
From 2026, the long-term care reform will introduce several important changes: co-payments in nursing homes will be gradually capped to reduce the financial burden on those in need of care. At the same time, a family care allowance will be introduced, providing family caregivers with monthly support of between €300 and €1,800, depending on the scope of care provided. The existing care allowance will initially remain at 2025 levels, while contributions to long-term care insurance will increase to finance additional benefits. These reforms are intended to make long-term care more sustainable and predictable for both those affected and their families.
What is family care benefit and who receives it?
From mid-2026, family caregivers will receive a monthly family care allowance of between €300 and €1,800, depending on the extent of their reduced earning capacity. A prerequisite is active involvement in care.
What financial relief is available for those in need of care at a nursing home?
From 2026, the financial burden for people in need of care in inpatient facilities will be gradually capped. In the long term, a maximum monthly amount of approximately €1,000 is planned.
How do the contribution increases affect long-term care insurance?
The contribution rate to long-term care insurance has already been raised to 3.6%, and to 4.2% for childless individuals. In addition, from 2026, tax funds will flow into long-term care insurance to finance non-insurance benefits such as the co-insurance of children.
