Guide · Reform 2027
Care level 1 from 2027: what ends and what stays
This guide is 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).
- From 2027, care level 1 is to require at least 15 instead of 12.5 points.
- The relief amount of €131 a month is to be abolished at care level 1, even for people who already have it.
- The €42 allowance for care supplies is to end; there is still no care allowance at care level 1.
- Check whether the need for help is now enough for care level 2: from 2027, 30 points are to be needed, according to the draft.
- From 2027, at least 15 points are to be needed for care level 1.
- At home, the relief amount and the care supplies allowance are to end.
- For planning: think about how everyday help will be organised and paid for from 2027. If the need for help grows, you can apply for a higher care level at any time.
What care level 1 provides today
- Relief amount (Entlastungsbetrag): up to €131 a month, e.g. for everyday or household help from approved providers
- Consumable care supplies: up to €42 a month
- Subsidy for home adaptations: up to €4,180 per measure, e.g. for a stairlift or an accessible bathroom
- Care advice and care courses for family members
What is to change from 2027
For care level 1, the government draft provides for a “prevention-oriented focus”. In practice this means:
| Benefit at care level 1 | 2026 | planned from 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Relief amount | €131 / month | abolished |
| Care supplies allowance | €42 / month | abolished |
| Local support budget (new) | – | only from care level 2 |
| Point threshold for care level 1 | 12.5 points | 15 points |
No cuts to the subsidy for home adaptations are known so far. We will check this once the law is passed.
What you can do now
- Use the relief amount: you can still claim amounts saved up from 2026. Ask your care insurance fund about your current balance and by when it must be used.
- Consider a higher care level: if care needs have increased, an estimate with the detailed mode is worthwhile. A request for a higher care level is quick with our template letter.
- Plan home adaptations: the subsidy for home adaptations must be applied for before you place the order.
Sources
- German Federal Ministry of Health: government draft of the care reform act (Pflegeneuordnungsgesetz, PNOG), 30 Sept 2026, Bundesrat document 587/26
- AOK legislation monitor (Gesetzesmonitor), PNOG timetable, as of 7 Oct 2026
- Section 15 SGB XI with Annexes 1 and 2 (current assessment system)
- Diakonie Deutschland: benefits of the long-term care insurance 2026
Frequently asked questions
Will care level 1 be abolished in 2027?
No. Care level 1 remains, but according to the draft the threshold is to rise to 15 points, and important cash benefits are to be cut.
Will I still get the relief amount at care level 1 from 2027?
According to the government draft, no. The relief amount is to be abolished at care level 1, including for people who already have this care level.
Is there still a subsidy for a stairlift at care level 1?
As things stand, no cuts are known to the subsidy for home adaptations of up to €4,180.