Everyday support services and companions: what they are and how to pay

Everyday companions, support groups and household help count as everyday support services (Angebote zur Unterstützung im Alltag) under § 45a SGB XI. German long-term care insurance pays for them if the service is recognised under the law of your federal state: from care grade 1 through the relief amount (Entlastungsbetrag) of €131 a month, and from care grade 2 also through up to 40 % of the unused benefits-in-kind amount. Depending on the grade, that is up to €449.40 to €1,050.60 a month.

What everyday support services are

These services are meant to relieve family carers and help people in need of care live at home independently for as long as possible. The law (§ 45a SGB XI) distinguishes three types, and one service can cover several:

Type	Examples
Companionship services	support groups for people with dementia, hourly one-to-one support at home, accompaniment on walks or to appointments
Relief for carers	volunteer circles that give carers time off, family relief services, peer support for relatives
Help with everyday life	everyday companions (Alltagsbegleiter), household help, shopping, help with paperwork

They are often provided by trained volunteers or helpers working under professional guidance. Personal care, such as washing, is not part of these services.

Recognition under state law

Only services recognised by the competent state authority can be claimed. Each federal state sets its own rules in a regulation, for example on training, concept and quality assurance, so what is available varies a great deal across Germany.

Neighbourly help and individual helpers

Some states also recognise neighbourly helpers (Nachbarschaftshilfe) or individuals, often after a basic course and with a limit on the number of people they support. In other states this is not possible, or only to a limited extent. Before the first visit, check with your care insurance fund or a care support centre (Pflegestützpunkt) whether the person or provider is recognised, and ask to see the recognition in writing if in doubt.

How to pay for everyday support

Care grade	Relief amount	Conversion up to 40 %	Total at most
1	€131.00	-	€131.00
2	€131.00	€318.40	€449.40
3	€131.00	€598.80	€729.80
4	€131.00	€743.60	€874.60
5	€131.00	€919.60	€1,050.60

Relief amount

The relief amount of €131 a month is earmarked for specific purposes (§ 45b SGB XI). You pay the invoice and submit it to the care insurance fund, which refunds you. Many providers can also bill the fund directly once you sign an assignment form. Unused amounts can be carried over to the following calendar half-year. More details are in our guide to the relief amount.

Conversion entitlement from care grade 2

If you do not fully use your benefits-in-kind budget for a home care service, you can use up to 40 % of it for recognised everyday support services. No prior application is required for the conversion; refunds are paid against receipts. The home care service is always billed first.

Important: the converted amount counts as benefits in kind used. If you receive the care allowance (Pflegegeld), it falls proportionally, just as with the combination benefit. An example at care grade 3: if 40 % is converted, 60 % of the care allowance remains, which is €359.40 instead of €599. Whether this makes sense depends on how much you need the support. See our guide to benefits in kind and the combination benefit and check your figures with the care benefits calculator.

How it differs from a home care service and a live-in carer

	Everyday support	Home care service	Live-in carer
Tasks	companionship, accompaniment, housework	personal care, support, housework, treatment care on prescription	companionship and housework, carer lives in the home
Provided by	recognised providers or helpers	approved nurses and care staff	usually agency-placed carers
Funding	relief amount, conversion	benefits in kind, relief amount, health insurance	generally private, care allowance can be used freely

Everyday support does not replace a home care service, but it complements one well. For personal care, look for an approved provider in the home care directory.

Tips for finding support

1. Describe your needs: what exactly do you need help with, how often and at what times?
2. Find recognised services: care insurance funds, care support centres and many state portals keep lists of recognised providers. Free care advice can help you choose.
3. Ask about prices: most providers charge by the hour. Ask about travel costs and minimum booking times.
4. Keep receipts: make sure invoices show the name of the person in need of care, the period and the service.

Planned reform

With the Care Reorganisation Act (PNOG, cabinet draft of 30 September 2026), the government plans changes from 2027, including dropping the relief amount for care grade 1. The law has not yet been passed. Until it is enacted, today’s rules apply.

This article is general information and does not replace individual care or legal advice.