What seniors, relatives and adopted families need to know in Berlin
Starting July 1, 2025, an important change will come into effect: the joint annual amount for care benefits. What initially sounds like a sober legal reform will directly affect the everyday lives of thousands of seniors, relatives, and adopted families in Berlin. The new regulation is intended to make services simpler, more flexible, and more transparent. But what does this really mean—especially for LGBTIQ seniors, who often rely on adopted families and individualized support options? *
What is the combined annual amount?
Previously, care benefits were divided into different categories, such as respite care or short-term care . Each benefit had its own rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements. Many family members and seniors found this bureaucratic and confusing.
Starting July 1, 2025, things will be easier: These benefits will be bundled into a single annual amount . You'll now have a total of €3,539 at your disposal. This gives those in need of care more flexibility in how they use the money—for example, for household relief, care, daily support, or a short break for family caregivers.
You can also find official information at the Federal Ministry of Health .
Why is this important for LGBTIQ* seniors?
Many LGBTIQ* people live without traditional family structures. Instead of children or spouses, chosen families, friends, or neighbors often take on the role of relatives.
The joint annual amount for Care Berlin 2025 creates new scope for action :
Seniors can organize and finance targeted support from chosen families.
Relatives and friends receive relief because they can use everyday assistance more flexibly.
Non-discriminatory counseling ensures that queer life realities are recognized.
👉 A good overview of queer aging can also be found at the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) .
What does this mean for relatives and adopted families in Berlin?
Caregiving always places a strain on family members and chosen families. Those who support a senior need breaks, relief, and help with everyday life.
With the annual amount, relatives and adopted families in Berlin can now more easily:
Financing everyday help in the household (e.g. cleaning, shopping, laundry),
Organize accompaniment to doctor’s appointments or cultural events,
Use respite care when they are unable to work or need a holiday,
Use short-term care when inpatient support becomes necessary.
A practical guide to services for caring relatives is also available from the Consumer Advice Center .
Care advice: Keeping track - Also for the joint annual amount Care Berlin 2025
The introduction of the common annual amount brings opportunities – but also questions:
How much is the amount?
Who can apply for it?
What evidence is necessary?
How can the budget be used optimally?
This is where long-term care counseling (§ 7a) can help . It is intended for all people with a care level and explains what rights and options are available. For LGBTIQ* seniors, it is crucial that counseling is provided with a queer-sensitive approach: chosen families must be considered, and discrimination must be avoided.
Everyday help: Practical support in the new system
The annual fee not only opens up legal options—it has a direct impact on everyday life. Many seniors need not just formal advice, but very concrete support :
Help with cooking, cleaning or shopping,
Accompanying patients to doctor’s appointments,
company while walking,
Support with mail and billing.
👉 You can find out more about our offers in the overview of everyday assistance services .
How AlleFarben supports everyday help in Berlin
At AlleFarben Alltagshilfe, we combine care advice with practical support in everyday life:
We'll explain what will change with the combined annual amount starting in July 2025.
We help you combine services sensibly.
We offer queer-sensitive everyday assistance – from household chores and leisure activities to counseling (§ 37.3).
We work transparently, openly and respectfully – regardless of gender, identity or lifestyle.
👉 If you have any questions, please contact us via our contact page .
Conclusion: Seize opportunities, be well prepared
The joint annual amount, effective July 1, 2025, is an important innovation that can make care more flexible and more relevant to everyday life. For seniors, relatives, and adopted families in Berlin, this means less bureaucracy and more opportunities to use support where it is truly needed.
Especially for LGBTIQ* seniors, it is an opportunity to more fully embrace their life reality – with chosen families, queer-sensitive counseling, and individualized everyday support.
