PflegestandCare reform 2027 for family carers

Guides

Explained in plain English, with sources. As of 18 Oct 2026

These guides are about the German statutory long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung). German terms are given in brackets so you can recognise them in letters from your care insurance fund (Pflegekasse).

Reform 2027

German care reform 2027: all changes at a glance

New point thresholds, new budgets, protected status and timeline: what changes for people needing care and their families.

Reform 2027

Protected status 2027: who keeps their care level

What the protection means, when it ends and which benefits are still cut.

Reform 2027

Care level 1 from 2027: what ends and what stays

Relief amount, care supplies, point threshold: what people with care level 1 should know now.

Reform 2027

Care in 2027: how to prepare

New options, new requirements and seven steps for planning.

Application

How to apply for a care level in Germany: step by step

Step by step: application, advice, assessment and decision, with deadlines and a template letter.

Assessment

Preparing for the assessment by the Medical Service

What is assessed, which documents help and what matters on the day of the visit.

Objection

Objecting to a care level decision: deadline, process, template letter

Deadline, form, reasons and what happens next, up to the social court.

Care allowance

Care allowance 2027: amounts, changes and what is left in practice

New amounts, what the money is to cover and what is left in practice.

Higher level

Applying for a higher care level

When it is worthwhile, how to apply and which thresholds apply.

Reform 2027

Bridging budget 2027: what it is and what it pays for

The new budget for short-term care and crises is to replace the joint annual amount for respite care and short-term care.

Reform 2027

Local support budget 2027: what it replaces and what you can use it for

€175 a month for everyday help instead of the relief amount, from care level 2.

Dementia

Care level with dementia: assessment, the 2027 reform and help

How dementia counts in the assessment, what changes in 2027 and what help there is.