Subsidies for 24-hour care - care level 3
Mr. Schmidt, a lovely senior who suffers from dementia, has regained a new lease of life thanks to care level 3 and 24-hour care. His family faced an almost insurmountable challenge: how could they provide their father with the care he needed without overburdening themselves? The solution was the care allowance and grants, which enabled Mr. Schmidt to stay in his familiar four walls and be cared for by a loving 24-hour carer.
For many families, this raises the question: Why is care level 3 so important and how can I apply for this support?
We at noracares are often asked why so much importance is attached to care level 3 in Austria, what requirements must be met in order to receive it and how the amount of care allowance has changed over the years - especially up to 2024. In this article, we clarify these questions and give you all the information you need to get the best possible support for you and your loved ones.
What is a care level?
The level-of-care is like a measuring tape that measures the amount of time a person needs care. It is based on the number of hours of care required each month and determines the amount of financial support available in the form of care allowance. This care allowance has been available in Austria since 1993 and covers approx. 3% of state social benefits. The care levels are graded according to the amount of care required - the more care required, the higher the care allowance.
The meaning of the care levels
The care level provides information on how intensive the care is and what care services are required. The level of care determines the amount of care allowance and which other benefits and subsidies can be claimed. This is particularly important for 24-hour care, because from care level 3 you will receive a subsidy of 550 euros per month. This support helps to cover the majority of the costs of care and ensure that people in need of care can remain in a safe and secure environment - whether at home or in an assisted living situation.
"Care level 3 enabled us to keep Grandpa in his familiar surroundings. It was a real turning point for us as a family," says Mr. Schmidt's daughter. "Without the funding, we wouldn't have been able to finance the 24-hour care. As Grandpa's pension is simply not enough, the extra money is a real help. Now we know that he is well looked after and we can enjoy more time together as a family again."
How do I get care allowance?
To receive care allowance, you must submit an application to the relevant insurance company. This is the same body that is responsible for paying out the pension or annuity, such as the Pension Insurance Institute or the Social Insurance Institution. The application is then reviewed by a nurse or doctor who comes directly to the person's home to assess their care needs. It is helpful if a trusted person is present to provide detailed information about the daily care activities.
After the examination has been completed, the care level will be determined by the insurance company and you will receive a written notification detailing both the care level and the amount of care allowance.
Must I accept every decision?
The care level assigned does not always match the actual care requirement. If you feel that the level of care required has been incorrectly assessed, you can appeal against this decision. Within three months, you can file a complaint with the Labor and Social Court submit to request a reassessment.
There is an exception in Lower Austria: Here, a subsidy for 24-hour care can also be granted for care level 1 or 2 if an additional Dementia diagnosed. This is particularly important for families who find themselves in a difficult situation and need additional support.
What is home care?
Home care refers to care provided in the familiar surroundings of the person in need of care. This means that care is provided in the person's own home, which is particularly important for the well-being of many older people. With home care, nursing staff or caregivers support the everyday life of the person in need of care - be it with personal hygiene, eating or everyday household tasks. This can be a great relief for family members, as care is often time-consuming and exhausting.
In many cases, support from a care assistant is sufficient, but in more severe cases, such as dementia or other chronic illnesses, a specially trained professional is required.
Do you need a caregiver or a nurse? Then click here to easily and quickly find your suitable care.
How can home care be financed?
The costs for home care - especially for 24-hour care - can amount to over 2.000 euros per month. Without care allowance and additional subsidies, these expenses would be almost impossible for many families to bear. The amount of the care allowance depends directly on the care level, which in turn reflects the amount of time required for care.
For more detailed and up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs here: Care allowance amounts for 2024:
In addition, from care level 3, there is a subsidy of 550 euros per month for 24-hour care. This subsidy is crucial in order to finance the high costs of care and make care affordable for many families in Austria.
Nora's FAQs:
The care levels and the associated care allowance are essential for the financing of care. In particular, the funding of 24-hour care from care level 3 helps to ensure that many people receive the care they need and to improve their quality of life. If you find yourself in a similar situation, take advantage of the care allowance support options - as was the case for Mr. Schmidt.
- Future prospects: Long-term care insurance in Austria is in a state of flux. It is to be expected that the benefits and funding options will continue to develop in the coming years. We will keep you up to date. To make sure you don't miss anything, become part of our noracares community - register now
- Simultaneous dependency: means that a person requires such extensive and continuous care that they are dependent on another person almost around the clock. This dependency extends to all areas of life, from personal hygiene to food intake and mobility.
- Note: The care allowance regulations may vary slightly depending on the federal state. Please also check the exact conditions in your federal state with your care insurance provider.
