Neighborly Assistance in Caregiving
Once a care level has been determined, the individual is entitled to the relief payment under Section 45b of SGB XI in the amount of 131 euros. This can be used, among other things, to finance services that provide support in daily life. However, people in need of care often face the challenge of not being able to find a commercial provider that offers these services. In Hesse, therefore, the Care Support Ordinance was enacted to create the option of neighborhood assistance.
Individuals can be certified as neighborhood helpers, and the costs of their services can be reimbursed by the long-term care insurance funds through the relief payment under Section 45b of SGB XI.
What services can the neighborhood assistance program provide?
Neighborhood volunteers may offer assistance to make daily life easier; this includes help with household chores—in particular, preparing meals, shopping for daily necessities, routine cleaning of living spaces, and taking care of laundry— as well as leisure activities. These include going for walks and having conversations together, accompanying residents on outings and visits, and engaging in board games, singing, crafts, etc.
What is not allowed: Neighborhood assistance does not include professional nursing care (e.g., basic care) or medical tasks (e.g., wound care), nor does it include yard work or handyman services.
Prerequisites
Neighborhood helpers can be billed through the relief allowance. However, it is important that they be recognized as providers by the competent accreditation authority in accordance with the Care Support Regulation.
Recognition is possible only if
- Neighborhood volunteers who are neither related to the person in need of care by blood or marriage up to the second degree nor living in the same household as that person,
- the support is provided on the basis of voluntary civic engagement, with a particular focus on volunteer work within the framework of neighborhood assistance,
- support is provided for no more than three people in need of care per calendar month,
- only a flat-rate expense allowance based on time is charged for services,
- proof is provided that the individual has completed a first-aid course no more than three years prior to the date of their first assignment,
- a police clearance certificate is submitted, and
- liability insurance is in place.
Detailed information on the requirements for recognition and the recognition process can be obtained from the competent recognition authority.
How are the services billed?
Neighborhood caregivers must provide the person in need of care with a statement of services rendered at the end of each calendar month for submission to the long-term care insurance fund. The statement must specify the date and nature of the services provided. The statement must be submitted to the long-term care insurance fund along with a copy of the certificate of eligibility for reimbursement.
What is the maximum amount of the expense allowance?
The expense allowance must not undermine the voluntary nature of the work. The hourly rate of the expense allowance should be based on the currently applicable statutory minimum wage. The full amount of the income must be reported on the income tax return. The expense allowance received may be tax-exempt under Section 3, No. 36 of the Income Tax Act. This is the case if the neighborhood volunteers are fulfilling what is known as a moral obligation through their actions.
Important Notes: Even though income from neighborhood assistance activities is tax-exempt, it must be reported on your income tax return. If you have any questions, please contact your local tax office.
Submit an Application for Recognition
The application for recognition as a service providing support in daily life must be submitted in writing or electronically.