Care allowance in Austria 2025: Everything you need to know about entitlement, application and care levels
Are you wondering how the care allowance has changed in Austria in 2025 and how you can apply for it? We explain who is entitled and how the application process works - so that you receive the support for care that you are entitled to.
The need for care affects many people in Austria, whether for themselves or for a relative. The financial burdens associated with care can be an enormous challenge. Fortunately, however, there is the care allowance, an important support that helps to cover the costs of care. But what exactly is care allowance, who is entitled to it and how can you apply for it?
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about long-term care benefits in Austria. We explain the different care levels and show you how the care allowance is calculated. You will also find out which requirements must be met in order to submit an application and what mistakes are often made. We will guide you step by step through the entire process so that you can submit your application successfully.
The path to finding the right support can often be complicated and confusing - but don't worry, we're here to help. Let's take the first step towards a better care future together - for you or your loved ones. Maria, an elderly lady lives in a small village in Austria. She has experienced a lot in her life and has always been independent. But over time, simple tasks such as shopping or cooking became more difficult for her. She knew she needed support, but the financial burden associated with care seemed almost insurmountable. This is where the care allowance comes into play. This financial aid is designed to support people like Maria who are in need of help. It was introduced to provide relief to those who need help and to maintain or even improve their quality of life. For Maria, the care allowance created the opportunity to hire a loving caregiver to help her with everyday tasks - from personal hygiene to accompanying her on walks, Maria is now no longer on her own. Care allowance is not just for physical support, however. There are also people in need of care, like Maria's neighbor Johann, who primarily need mental support. Johann has dementia and his family often feels overwhelmed when it comes to providing him with the right care. The care allowance also makes it possible to finance additional help in such cases, be it through a specialized caregiver or other support services. The real purpose of the care allowance is to relieve the burden on people with care needs like Maria and Johann and their families. It helps to overcome the financial hurdles associated with care and gives those affected and their relatives the freedom to receive the best possible support. Whether physical, mental or psychological - the care allowance ensures that those in need of care are not only cared for, but that their dignity and quality of life are enhanced. The path to care allowance does not start with a distant authority, but with the people who need it most - the people in need of care. But who actually AWhat is care allowance in Austria?
Financial support for physical and mental health support
Who is entitled to care allowance in Austria?
Here are the most important requirements at a glance:
The entitlement to care allowance is linked to clear requirements. It is not just a matter of living in Austria, but also of proving that there is a significant need for care.
This is determined by a medical examination and an expert assessment. This determines exactly how much support is needed - and therefore how much care allowance will be paid. This may seem tedious, but it is important to ensure that the help really gets to where it is needed.
Care allowance levels in Austria: What are they?
The seven care levels in Austria are like a precise map that shows the way to the right support. Every step a person in need of care takes is placed in a specific care level - and the amount of care allowance is also adjusted according to need. Imagine someone with a slight need for physical care receives a low level, while someone who needs help around the clock receives the highest level. The care allowance is therefore not just financial support, but valuable help that is based on the actual care required.
Care allowance per care level at a glance
Each of these levels reflects how much time and effort needs to be spent on maintenance. A quick look at the table shows how the different levels differ in detail - and what you can expect for each one :
In addition, there is a diagnosis-related minimum classification for certain groups of disabled people, such as severely visually impaired people, wheelchair users due to paraplegia (level 3), blind people (level 4) or deaf-blind people (level 5).
These levels and amounts ensure that each person receives the appropriate support depending on their individual care needs - not only in the form of financial assistance, but also as a sign of recognition and appreciation for the care effort.
How do I apply for care allowance in Austria?
The path to care allowance may seem complex at first glance, but it follows a clear, comprehensible process. Step by step, you can apply for financial support for the need for care - and with each step you will get closer to your goal: noticeable relief for yourself or your relatives. Here we show you how to apply and what to expect during the process:
Step 1: Fill out and submit application
The first step is to the application for the care allowance to fill in. You can either submit the form online on the website of the competent authority or use the traditional paper form.
It is important that you provide all the necessary information so that the application can be processed quickly. Information about your care needs, the type of care and your personal details are particularly important. Have you filled in everything? Then submit the application - and the process begins. After the application has been received, the medical assessment follows. A doctor or an expert will assess the need for care and determine the severity of the impairment. In most cases, the assessor will come directly to your home. Here, they observe exactly how much support the person in need of care requires in everyday life and what kind of care is needed - be it physical, mental or both. Once the care level has been determined, the care allowance is approved and paid out regularly. A monthly payment is made to help you cover the financial burden of care. The payment is usually made directly to the account of the person in need of care - so you and your family are quickly relieved financially and you can concentrate on the care. The search for the right Caregiver can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding someone who is both professionally qualified and trustworthy. Here's noracares at your service.On our platform, you can quickly and easily find qualified caregivers who perfectly match the needs of you and your family. noracares offers an easy way to find experienced and reliable caregivers who can support you or your loved ones in everyday life. Whether hourly care or long-term care- noracares makes sure you get the right support. Here you can find more tips and information on how to find the perfect caregiver. The application for care allowance in Austria may seem complex at first glance, but with clear step-by-step instructions it is easy to manage. Determining the correct care level and completing the necessary applications correctly is the first step to receiving the necessary financial support. However, it is not only the application process that is important, but also the search for the right caregiver to meet your individual needs. With noracares by your side, you can ensure that you find a qualified and trustworthy caregiver who optimally meets both your needs and those of your loved ones. Don't be discouraged by bureaucratic hurdles - use the helpful information in this article to successfully apply for care allowance and find the best possible support for you and your family.
Step 2: Medical assessment and home visit
Step 3: Deciding on the level of care
After the medical assessment, a decision is made on the care level. Depending on the level of care support required, a corresponding level is assigned, which takes into account both the care requirements and the expected care times. It usually takes around four to six weeks for the decision on the care level to be made. This decision determines the extent to which you will receive care allowance.
Step 4: Receive care allowance and payment
Finding the right caregiver
In the case of longer hospital stays, the care allowance may not be paid or may continue to be paid in certain cases.
