Care made easier: changes to short-term and respite care from July 2025
People who care for relatives sometimes need a break – whether to recharge their batteries, go on holiday or due to illness. From 1 July 2025, a legal innovation will bring more clarity and flexibility to the financing of short-term and respite care. The so-called ‘respite budget’ simplifies many things – we summarise the most important changes for you.
A joint budget for short-term and respite care
Previously, there were two separate budgets: one for respite care (€1,612) and one for short-term care (€1,774). The new respite budget combines the two. From July 2025, people in need of care from care level 2 will have a joint annual amount of €3,539 at their disposal. This budget can be divided up flexibly – depending on which form of care is needed in the current life situation.
Another advantage: the complicated transfer of funds between the two budgets is no longer necessary. This makes care clearer and easier to plan.
No more waiting period: Entitlement immediately available from care level 2
Until now, respite care was only possible if the person in need of care had previously been cared for at home for at least six months. This requirement will no longer apply from July 2025, which means that as soon as a care level 2 or higher has been determined, the relief budget can be used immediately – even in short-term emergencies such as an accident or a sudden illness of the main carer.
Longer use: 8 weeks of respite care per year
A further improvement concerns the time limit: from July 2025, respite care can be used for up to eight weeks a year – previously it was a maximum of six weeks. And: During this time, half of the care allowance will continue to be paid to those in need of care – also for up to eight weeks a year.
In the case of hourly respite care, the previous rule remains the same: the care allowance continues to be paid in full.
No application required in advance – but it makes sense
In many cases, substitute care cannot be planned well in advance. The good news is that applications for respite and short-term care do not necessarily have to be submitted in advance. Retroactive settlement with the care insurance fund is possible – for example, if a care assignment becomes necessary at short notice. However, if you know in advance that you are going on holiday or to rehab, for example, we recommend that you submit an application in good time. This will ensure that the benefits are covered and that there are no financial surprises.
Important: The relief budget itself does not have to be applied for separately. You apply for respite or short-term care as usual – funding is then automatically provided via the joint annual amount.
More transparency from the care insurance funds
In future, care insurance funds will be obliged to provide those in need of care and their relatives with an overview of the current status of the budget. This will make it possible to see at any time how much of the relief budget has already been utilised – and how much is still available.
Transitional arrangement for the year 2025
If you have already used benefits from prevention or short-term care in the first half of 2025, you will not go away empty-handed. The amounts you have already used will be taken into account, and from July you will also have up to €1,011 extra to bring you up to the new total amount of €3,539.
Our conclusion
The new regulations from July 2025 are a real relief for family carers. The new relief budget puts an end to complicated application procedures and rigid rules. Instead, there will be more room for individual solutions, quick help and better reconciliation of care and work.
If you have any questions about the new regulations or would like to know how you can apply for the benefits – we at Viva Familienservice will be happy to advise you.