Pflegegeld Calculator
Calculate how many care hours you provide monthly and find out which Austrian care allowance level you qualify for.
Move the sliders to estimate how many hours per month you spend on each care category.
You need 65 more hours to qualify for Pflegestufe 1.
The 7 Pflegestufen (Care Levels)
| Level | Hours / Month | Monthly Amount (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Stufe 1 | >65h | €206,20 |
| Stufe 2 | >95h | €380,30 |
| Stufe 3 | >120h | €592,60 |
| Stufe 4 | >160h | €889,40 |
| Stufe 5 | >180h | €1.211,00 |
| Stufe 6 | >180*h | €1.669,50 |
| Stufe 7 | >180**h | €2.214,00 |
* Stufe 6–7 require additional conditions beyond hours (e.g., round-the-clock care, inability to use arms/legs). Amounts as of 2026.
How to Apply for Pflegegeld
- Document your care hours using a Pflegetagebuch (care diary) for at least 1–2 months.
- Submit an application to your health insurance provider (Sozialversicherung) or the local Pension office.
- A medical assessor (Arzt/Ärztin) visits your home to evaluate the care needs.
- Based on the assessment, a care level is assigned and monthly Pflegegeld payments begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pflegegeld?
Pflegegeld is a monthly care allowance paid by the Austrian government to people who need regular care assistance. It is not means-tested — anyone with a proven care need of more than 65 hours per month is eligible.
Who can apply for Pflegegeld?
Any person living in Austria who needs regular care and assistance due to a physical, mental, or psychological disability. The care need must last at least 6 months and exceed 65 hours per month.
How does a Pflegetagebuch help?
A care diary (Pflegetagebuch) documents the daily care activities and time spent. This documentation is crucial evidence during the medical assessment and can significantly improve your chances of receiving the correct care level.
How long does the application take?
Typically 2–3 months from application to first payment. The medical assessment is usually scheduled within 4–8 weeks of applying.
Start Documenting Your Care Hours Today
Use our free digital Pflegetagebuch to automatically track your care hours and generate the documentation you need for your Pflegegeld application.