Are you completely unable to manage any household chores right now? This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as the after-effects of surgery, partial hospitalization, or an unexpectedly difficult pregnancy. Now you need help with cleaning, shopping, or other household tasks and are wondering if your health insurance or long-term care insurance will cover it?
In fact, in Germany there are these two different options: domestic support via statutory health insurance funds ("Krankenkasse") and the relief allowance ("Entlastungsbetrag") from the long-term care insurance fund ("Pflegekasse") .
Helferei offers household support services with costs covered by statutory health insurance according to § 38 SGB V. However, we cannot bill for the relief allowance from the long-term care insurance fund . We'll explain the difference, the requirements, and how to find the right support.
If you are temporarily unable to manage your household yourself after an operation, a hospital stay – whether for psychological or physical reasons – or due to a serious illness, you may be eligible for a domestic support service according to § 38 SGB V.
Important requirements are:
In cases of serious illness or acute exacerbation, benefits are generally limited to four weeks. If children under twelve years of age or children with disabilities requiring assistance live in the household, coverage may be possible for up to 26 weeks. Sometimes private co-payments are required, and further conditions apply to certain entitlements, particularly regarding an existing care level rating.
Ultimately, you should first discuss with your doctor whether and for how long you are entitled to free [treatment/care]. domestic help or whether you are entitled to partial reimbursement of expenses for these costs. Ultimately, your health insurance company decides.
You have received a medical certificate stating that your health condition requires a domestic support as a health insurance benefit? Great.
Now apply for reimbursement from your statutory health insurance fund.
You typically fill out an application and need to provide your medical certificate. In the application, you can specify that Helferei GmbH should provide the service and add our institution code. This code lets your health insurance company know that we are authorized to bill them directly. Once you receive written approval, we will gladly and fully support you in organizing a suitable domestic support. Simply write to us at support@die-helferei.de
More on this, and possible scenarios for when it's worthwhile to discuss your eligibility for domestic support as a health insurance benefit with your doctor is outlined in our article "When does health insurance pay for domestic support?"
People with a recognized care level ("Pflegegrad") of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 who are cared for at home are entitled to the so-called relief allowance ("Entlastungsbetrag") according to § 45b SGB XI.
This currently amounts to €131 per month (as of November 2026), or up to €1,572 per year. It can be used, for example, for recognized everyday assistance, care, or domestic support.
However, the benefit cannot be provided by every cleaning service or every cleaning person. Providers must be appropriately authorized or recognized under state law.
Important: Helferei does not have this accreditation. Therefore, we cannot bill for the relief allowance or other long-term care insurance benefits.
By the way: Even a care level of 2 or higher does not automatically mean that a health insurance company will pay for domestic help. In cases of serious illness without the other legally stipulated requirements, entitlement under Section 38 of the German Social Code, Book V (SGB V), is generally excluded for care levels 2 to 5. Exceptions may apply for the care of a child.
You can find more information about the relief amount at the Federal Ministry of Health .
Do you need temporary help with household chores after an operation, a serious illness, or a hospital stay?
With approved cost coverage from your statutory health insurance according to § 38 SGB V, you can contact Helferei: support@die-helferei.de
We will support you in organizing a reliable domestic help service in Berlin, Munich, Cologne or Leipzig.
If you would like to use your monthly relief allowance of €131, please contact your long-term care insurance provider. They will provide you with information on approved providers in your region.
Our tip: Always check with your health or long-term care insurance provider first to find out what benefits you are entitled to. This will help you avoid unnecessary costs and find the right support option more quickly.
