Financing problems in care - how to provide your loved ones with the best possible care

Imagine your mother, who has always been there for you, suddenly needs help. Around the clock. 24-hour care seems like the perfect solution, but then comes the shock: up to €4,000 a month! 

How are you supposed to cope? You are not alone. According to statistics from the Ministry of Social Affairs, over 450,000 people in Austria are in need of care, and the number is constantly rising. Many families face the same challenge.

 

The decision to provide 24-hour care is often an act of love, but the financial reality is harsh: How can I afford it? Many relatives feel overwhelmed by the high costs and unsure about the financial help they are entitled to. 

What grants are available? What funding opportunities can I take advantage of? And how do I apply for the right support? The state nursing allowance is supposed to help, but is it really enough? Let's take a look at the possibilities together.

Here are the answers!

In this guide, you will learn about the best funding options for 24-hour care. We explain which grants, care allowance benefits and tax advantages you can use to reduce your costs.

✔ What subsidies are available for 24h care? 

✔ How high are the subsidies from long-term care insurance companies & state? 

✔ How can I deduct care costs from my taxes? 

✔ Which model (agency, self-employed, employer) is the cheapest? 

✔ What mistakes should I avoid at all costs? 

✔ How do I apply for the maximum care allowance? 

✔ What are the regional differences in funding? 

✔ And how do I find a trusted caregiver, that fits my budget?

 

Did you already know? Many families overlook the opportunity to preventive care and short-term care, which would allow them to receive up to 3.224 euros extra per year. When looking for answers and relief, noracares.at can be of great help.

 

 

The care allowance: Your first financial support

The care allowance is an important component in Austria. It is based on the care level, which is determined by a medical assessment. The higher the level of care required, the higher the care allowance.

 

Care allowance 2025 in Austria (by level):

 

Important notes on care allowance:

• The amounts shown are net amounts, i.e. they are paid out tax-free.
• The care allowance is paid out 12 times a year, i.e. monthly.
  • Nora's Tip: Important: The care allowance can be combined with other subsidies.

 

Applying for care allowance: how to proceed

 

Would you like to apply for care allowance for yourself or your relatives? No problem! Here we explain step by step how to do it:

1. Application:

• You can submit the application for care allowance yourself, as a relative or as a legal representative to the following offices:
  • If you receive a pension or annuity, your responsible insurance provider is the point of contact.
  • If you are not receiving a pension or annuity, the pension insurance institution is responsible.

2. the review:

• After you have submitted your application, an expert (doctor/doctor/qualified nurse) will come to your home, to the nursing home or to the hospital. This visit will be announced in advance.
• The expert examines the person in need of care, asks about their medical history and inquires about their need for help. If possible, the main caregiver will also be interviewed.
• An expert opinion is then drawn up describing the results of the examination and the care requirements.

3. the decision:

• The decision on the level of care is made by the insurance provider or the court. If desired, a trusted person may be present at the examination and provide information on the care situation.
• The assessment in care facilities also takes into account information from care staff and care documentation. The same applies to care provided by mobile care services.

 

Nora's Tip: Do not hesitate to call the Citizens' Service of the Ministry of Social Affairs if you have any questions. The staff will be happy to help you!

More information:

• Citizen Service of the Ministry of Social Affairs: 01 / 71100 / 86 22 86 (Mon - Fri from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

 

The 24-hour care: additional financial support

The state supports 24-hour care with monthly subsidies.

• Self-employed caregiver (work contract): 800 € per person
• Independent caregiver (employment): 1.600 € for two people

 

Nora's tip: Submit the application to the Social Ministry Service in good time. 

Watch out for regional differences: The subsidies may vary slightly in the individual federal states, so it is best to check with the relevant authority.

 

Regional differences: What you should know

 

Wondering whether there are regional differences in the funding of 24-hour care? Yes, there are! And it's important that you find out so that you don't miss out on any financial benefits.

• Additional funding:

• In some federal states, such as Vienna, there are additional subsidies that go beyond the federal care allowance. Therefore, be sure to check with the Vienna Care and Support Services (WPBD) to see what additional grants you may be entitled to.
• In Tirol, you may be able to find lower Costs for nursing home places than in other federal states. It is worth comparing the prices of the various facilities.

• Nursing home costs:

• The cost of a nursing home can vary greatly. In Vorarlberg, for example, there can be deviations in the care ratio, which in turn can affect the costs. It is therefore advisable to enquire directly with the nursing homes in your area.

• Mobile care services:

• The rates for mobile care services can also differ from state to state. Availability may also be limited in rural areas. Check with local providers to find out the exact costs and availability.

• Regional differences in funding processing:

• The processing time for your funding application can vary depending on the federal state. In some regions it is quicker, in others it can take a little longer. Therefore, allow enough time and ask the responsible authority about the current processing time.

 

Nora's Tip: It is best to obtain information directly from the relevant state authorities or from care advice centers in your region in order to obtain accurate and up-to-date information. The Chamber of Labor and the Ministry of Social Affairs are also good places to go.

 

Tax advantages: Take advantage of your opportunities

 

Care costs are tax-deductible as an extraordinary burden.

• Up to 4.000 euros per year.
• Care allowance is tax-free.
• Care services are additionally deductible.

 

Nora's tips:

• Collect all receipts and invoices related to care. This includes, for example, invoices from care services, medication costs or costs for aids.
• Check with the tax office or a tax advisor for the exact requirements and proof needed for the tax deduction.
• Use the option of claiming a lump sum for extraordinary expenses if the actual costs are difficult to prove.

 

The right care option: A cost comparison

• 24-hour care (Eastern Europe):

• 2.200 - 3,500 €/month
• Personal care, flexible, but higher costs due to round-the-clock care.

• Nursing home:

• 3.000 - 6,000 €/month
• Round-the-clock care, but less individual.

• Outpatient care service:

• 1.000 - 2,500 €/month
• Flexibly bookable, but not 24/7.

• Hourly maintenance:

• 20 - 50 €/hour (depending on qualification and provider)
• Flexible support as required, suitable for light to medium care needs.
  • Nora's Tip: Hourly care is very well suited to relieve relatives or to complete certain tasks.

• Assisted living:

• 2.300 - 4,500 €/month (depending on equipment and support services)
• Independent living with optional care services, suitable for people with mild to moderate care needs.
  • Nora's tip: Assisted living promotes independence and offers social contact.

 

Nora's Tips (General):

• Consider carefully which care option best suits the needs of your loved one. Consider not only the costs, but also the quality of care and personal preferences.

• Compare offers from different providers to find the best value for money. Get quotes and find out about the services included in the price.
• Think about the possibility of combining different care options. For example, you could use an outpatient care service for certain tasks and also make use of 24-hour care for the night or at weekends.

 

Your optimal care financing: Here's how!

Funding 24-hour care is complex, but feasible. Take advantage of all funding options to provide your loved ones with the best possible care.

• Apply for care allowance: Find out about the requirements and submit the application to your responsible insurance provider or the pension insurance institution.
• Additional support: Check out regional differences and additional grants in your federal state.
• Tax advantages: Use the opportunity to deduct care costs from tax as an extraordinary burden.
• Compare care options: Choose the right care option to suit the needs of your loved ones and your budget.

 

Important Resources:

• apply for care allowance: Sozialministeriumservice
• Calculate maintenance costs: www.pflegehilfe.at
• Information on tax savings: www.bmf.gv.at

 

noracares.at: Your support in everyday care

At noracares.at we understand your concerns. We provide you with qualified caregivers together that fit your needs. We offer a solution for finding a suitable caregiver and thus make the often difficult day-to-day care easier.

 

 

I know the decision to get 24-hour care is overwhelming. But you are not alone! There are ways to provide the best care for your loved ones.

Use government subsidies, find out about tax benefits and compare care options. At noracares.at, we support you in finding the right caregiver.

Your next steps:

• Register on noracares.at and find your perfect grooming match!
• Find out about current grants.
• Contact experts with questions.

Together we will find a solution that suits you!

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Legal notice:The information in this article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice. Please consult an expert or the relevant authorities if you have specific questions.