Anyone with a care level rating who receives care at home can receive up to €42 worth of care supplies free of charge each month – conveniently delivered via a so-called care box . This box contains essential items such as disposable gloves, disinfectant, and face masks, and is delivered directly to your home. But who exactly is entitled to this benefit? This article explains when and under what conditions you can receive a care box .
Legal basis
The reimbursement of costs for care aids is regulated in § 40 SGB XI . Long-term care insurance covers up to 42 euros per month without any co-payment being required.
Who is entitled to a care box?
In order to receive care supplies via a care box, all of the following conditions must be met:
✅ 1. Recognized care level (1 to 5)
You or the person in need of care you are looking after must have a valid care level rating. The long-term care insurance fund has officially recognized the care level rating.
✅ 2. Care is provided at home
The entitlement only applies to home-based care. The person requiring care therefore lives in their own apartment, house, or with relatives – not in a nursing home.
✅ 3. A private caregiver is involved
The care is provided wholly or partially by a relative , a friend or another non-professional caregiver – even if a care service is also involved.
❌ No claim exists:
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In the case of exclusively inpatient care (nursing home)
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If no recognized care level exists
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If the care is provided solely by a care service and no private caregiver is involved
How long am I entitled to the care box?
The entitlement exists as long as the conditions are met , i.e.:
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A care level has been recognized
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Care takes place at home
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A private caregiver is involved
Should anything change (e.g., moving into a nursing home), the entitlement expires. A reassessment by the long-term care insurance provider may also result in changes.