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What is the care allowance (Pflegepauschbetrag)?

What is the care allowance (Pflegepauschbetrag)?

Claiming care costs (Pflegekosten) on your taxes

Updated this week
What is the care allowance?

The care allowance (Pflegepauschbetrag) is a tax relief for individuals who provide unpaid home care for people in need of assistance. Since 2021, family caregivers can claim this flat-rate allowance in their income tax return without having to provide proof of the actual costs.

Requirements:

  • Care level of the person receiving care:
    The amount of the allowance depends on the care level (Pflegegrad):
    – From care level 2: €600
    – Care level 3: €1,100
    – Care level 4 or 5: €1,800 per year

  • Place of care:
    Care must take place in a domestic setting – either in the home of the person receiving care or in the caregiver’s own home.

  • Unpaid care:
    The care must be provided free of charge, without receiving any compensation.

  • How to claim it:
    The allowance is entered in the tax return under the form “Extraordinary Expenses / Flat Rates” (Anlage „Außergewöhnliche Belastungen / Pauschbeträge“). Proof of care is generally not required.

Note: The care allowance is a flat-rate tax benefit and is granted regardless of actual expenses. You do not need to submit receipts.


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