The key facts at a glance
‍For people with care needs and an assessed care level, the care insurance fund offers a wide range of benefits. Some of these, such as the care allowance or benefits in kind for a care service, are widely known. There are, however, less well-known benefits that often go unclaimed as a result. Did you know, for example, that your move can be subsidised by the care insurance fund? Up to 4,000 euros can be granted, as set out in Section 40 (4) of the German Social Code, Book XI.

The relocation subsidy applies to moves intended to maintain independence for as long as possible. This includes moves to outpatient forms of living such as assisted living, shared care communities and age-appropriate or barrier-free flats. Moves to full inpatient facilities are excluded from the subsidy.

Which moves qualify for a subsidy?
- Moving from an upper floor to a ground-floor flat
- Moving into assisted living / a senior flat-share
- Moving into a barrier-free flat
- Moving from the countryside into the city (better access to care)
- Moving closer to your children or to family carers

If you are entitled to a subsidy, you should definitely claim it. The care insurance fund supports you with up to 4,000 euros towards your moving costs.

When does the care insurance fund support a move?
The care insurance fund covers the cost of a move if it is into a home that is better adapted to the physical needs of the person requiring care. This includes, for example, the home being barrier-free and accessible with nursing aids. The move should make care in the home environment possible on a lasting basis. Moving into the new home should make care easier both for the person requiring care and for the carer.

When is a home considered appropriate?
‍The Jobcenter only covers moving costs if your new home is considered appropriate. This means it should meet the needs of the household members, and the accommodation costs (KdU) must not exceed the local guideline values. The KdU cover both the rent or mortgage payments and the additional running costs. These local guideline values can vary depending on the region and the size of the home. You can contact the Jobcenter or an advice centre to find out which KdU are considered appropriate in your case. 

What does the care insurance fund cover?
The maximum subsidy is 4,000 euros. If several people requiring care in one household move, the amount can increase accordingly. Costs for a removal company are taken into account, as are verifiable expenses for private moves, such as hiring a lorry or material costs (e.g. moving boxes).

How do I apply for my moving costs to be covered?‍

1. Clarify with the care insurance fund early:
Before the move, confirm with the care insurance fund that the costs will be covered, so that you receive the financial subsidy. You will usually need three quotes for this. Let Transporo help you with that.
2. Keep a care diary:
Record the health of the person requiring care precisely in the care diary. A detailed description can improve the chances of a fair care level and therefore of a subsidy.
3. Using Transporo:
You can also use the Transporo service for a move within the same residential building.
4. Apply for the subsidy early:
Submit your application for the moving subsidy to the care insurance fund as early as possible to allow for the authorities’ processing time.
5. Check conversion options:
Before you plan a move, check whether a subsidy is available for converting your existing home into an accessible one.
6. Detailed information from Transporo:
Ask Transporo in advance about additional services for barrier-free moves. Check with the care insurance fund whether these services are recognised as well.