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Organizing Care in Essen

Apply for care level, benefits and support

Progress0 of 6 steps completed
6 Schritte · ca. 4 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 4 Minuten fertig

Step 1

Recognize care needs & document

🚨
Frist: Start immediately · Don't sugarcoat anything! Show real daily life, not the 'good day'.

Keep a care diary! Document daily life for at least 7-14 days.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • What counts as need for care? Help needed with hygiene, nutrition, mobility
  • First signs: Forgetfulness, unsteady walking
  • Care diary: Note time, activity, help needed
  • Also document nighttime help!
Care diary template↗
Step 2

Apply for care level

🚨
Frist: Immediately – benefits from application date · Benefits are NOT paid retroactively! Apply immediately!

Submit the application to your care insurance (= your health insurance). From the day of application you're entitled!

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Care insurance = health insurance (AOK, TK, Barmer, etc.)
  • Informal application is enough
  • Note the date of call/letter – entitlement starts from then!
  • Application can also be submitted by relatives
Contact care insurance↗
Step 3

Prepare for MDK assessment

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Frist: Appointment will be communicated by care insurance · This is where most people lose money! Relatives should be present.

After the application, an assessor from MDK will come to your home. Preparation is crucial!

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Relatives MUST be present!
  • Show the bad day, not the good one
  • Don't tidy up specially – show reality
  • 6 modules: Mobility, Behavior, Self-care, Illness, Daily life, Social
MDK assessment info↗
Step 4

Check decision & appeal

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Frist: 1 month after decision · Deadline for appeal: 1 month! Appeal costs nothing.

Check the decision carefully. Care level too low? File an appeal within 1 month!

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Always request MDK assessment – you have a right to it!
  • File appeal in writing
  • Free advice from VdK, SoVD
  • About 30-40% of appeals are successful!
Appeal template letter↗
Step 5

Choose care allowance or benefits in kind

Care allowance (relatives provide care) or benefits in kind (care service). Combination possible!

⚠️You can adjust the choice at any time.
⏰ After care level decision💰 0 € (du bekommst Geld)

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Care allowance 2025: Level 2: €347, Level 3: €599, Level 4: €800, Level 5: €990
  • Benefits in kind 2025: Level 2: €796, Level 3: €1,497, Level 4: €1,859, Level 5: €2,299
  • Combination benefit: Part money + part care service
  • With care allowance: Advisory visit mandatory every 6 months (level 2+3)
Compare benefits↗
Step 6

Use care counseling

Care counseling is free! The care support centers in Essen provide individual advice.

⚠️Advisory visit with care allowance is mandatory!
⏰ Every 6 months (level 2+3) / 3 months (level 4+5)💰 0 €

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Care support center Essen: Free advice at City of Essen
  • Counseling §37.3: Mandatory with care allowance
  • Care advisor also comes to your home
  • Social associations (VdK, SoVD) advise for free
Care counseling Essen↗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
Sofort beginnen
What does it cost?
0 €, 0 €, 0 €, 0 €, 0 € (du bekommst Geld), 0 €
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Beschönige nichts! Zeige den echten Alltag, nicht den 'guten Tag'.

🔗 Related Topics

Applying for pensionEssenDeath in familyEssen