For home care, people in need of care are entitled to benefits in kind. This includes body-related care services, nursing care measures or help with housekeeping. This home care assistance is usually provided by outpatient care services.

If these benefits in kind are only partially used, those in need of care are entitled to a proportionate care allowance (§37 SGB XI)). The care allowance available is reduced by the percentage in which the person in need of care receives benefits in kind.

The decision on the ratio of cash and non-cash benefits is binding for 6 months.

During short-term care (for up to eight weeks) or preventive care (for up to six weeks), the care allowance is 50 percent of the amount paid before the start of short-term or preventive care.

If people in need of care from fully inpatient facilities are temporarily cared for at home, they are also entitled to care allowance for this period.