The relief budget — 125 € a month, and often unclaimed

What is the relief allowance?

The relief allowance (Entlastungsbetrag) under § 45b SGB XI is an earmarked benefit for “services that relieve the burden of care”. What is meant are offerings that take pressure off the carer and support the person who needs care.

Amount: 125 € a month, from care level (Pflegegrad) 1 upwards.

What can I use the money for?

Not for everything. Only services from providers recognised under § 45a SGB XI can be reimbursed — so not just any help you arrange.

Typically used for:

supervision by the hour through certified support services, day care (often combined pro rata), short-term residential care (Kurzzeitpflege, up to 50 % transferable), domestic help through recognised services, and everyday-support offerings (dementia companions, everyday helpers).

Not reimbursable:

private help without recognised provider status, conventional nursing staff (that runs through the care allowance or benefits in kind), and residential-home or hospital costs.

How the billing works

You pay first, the provider issues an invoice, you submit the invoice to the Pflegekasse, and the Pflegekasse reimburses you — up to 125 € a month.

Important: amounts not used up can still be drawn on until 30 June of the following year. So if you do not spend 125 € every month from January to December, you can use the remainder up to 30.06. After that the rest lapses.

How we can support you

We are not active as a provider recognised under § 45a SGB XI — that would be a different business model. What we do is advise you on which recognised providers in Berlin are good, and how best to combine your 125 €.

Frequently asked questions

• Is the relief allowance available at care level 1 too?

  Yes. At Pflegegrad 1 it matters all the more — there are no other cash benefits at that level.
• Can I simply take the money in cash?

  No. You pay the provider, who issues an invoice; the Pflegekasse then reimburses you the amount.
• What happens if I do not need 125 € every month?

  The remainder accumulates and can be used up to 30 June of the following year.
• Can you provide this service yourselves?

  We are not a recognised § 45a provider, but we will help you find a suitable one.