You may have read in the news that care in Germany is to be reformed. If you are looking after a person in need of care for the first time, this raises questions: Will anything change for us now? Should we wait before applying? Here you can read, at your own pace, what is known so far and what you can already do today.
What the Federal Government has decided
The Federal Cabinet has set up a Care Structure Commission (Pflegestrukturkommission). Its task is to draw up concrete proposals for reforming care. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the commission is pursuing two goals: care provision is to remain good, and the contribution rate for social care insurance is to be kept stable.
On the basis of the commission's recommendations, the ministry intends to launch a structural reform. According to the minister's plans, this is intended to be able to come into force on 1 July 2027.
What this means for you today
First, the most important point: the commission is drawing up proposals. Nothing has been decided yet. Which benefits will change, and whether any will at all, is not certain at present. A law first has to be drafted and passed.
Until then, the current rules of the care insurance scheme continue to apply unchanged. Anyone who is entitled to benefits today can apply for and receive them today. There is no reason to wait out of uncertainty about a possible reform.
A care level that has already been granted also remains in place. If your family member's health gets worse, you can apply for an upgrade as before. And if you disagree with a decision from the care insurance fund, you can still lodge an appeal.
Why you should not wait to apply
Benefits from the care insurance scheme are generally only paid from the point at which the application was made to the care insurance fund. If you wait, you may be giving away support that your family is already entitled to.
Care is often especially demanding at the beginning. A lot has to be organised at the same time. The benefits from the care insurance scheme are meant to provide relief at exactly this time. An informal phone call or a short letter to the care insurance fund is enough to make the application.
- Apply to the care insurance fund for a care level as early as possible.
- Make a note of when and how you made the application.
- For the assessment, write down what your family member needs help with in everyday life.
What you can already do now
Regardless of the reform, there are a few steps that can make everyday life easier for you and your family member. The care insurance fund advises you on all the benefits that could apply in your individual case. This advice is free of charge for you.
We at Deutsche Pflegegemeinschaft Sankt Josef support families with some of these steps:
- Help with applying for a care level, with an upgrade and with an appeal against a decision
- The care essentials box with consumables for care at home
- The Gardia emergency bracelet, so that your family member can call for help quickly in an emergency
How to stay up to date
It will be some time yet before a reform comes into force. As soon as concrete proposals or a draft law are available, we will report on them here in the Care Guide in plain language. The Federal Ministry of Health also publishes reliable information.
Don't let the headlines unsettle you. What counts for your personal situation is what applies today. If you have questions about your specific case, your care insurance fund is the right place to turn.
Frequently asked questions
Will my care benefits change now because of the commission?
When is the care reform due to come?
Should I wait for the reform before applying for a care level?
Who can advise me on my individual case?
Source: Care Structure Commission set up. This article reflects the situation as of 20.10.2026 and does not replace individual advice; the information from your care insurance fund is what counts.