Care doesn't just mean medical treatment. Anyone who ages or supports relatives knows that even small tasks like shopping, cleaning, or accompanying people to appointments can be stressful. This is precisely why the relief allowance exists: 131 euros per month , available to all those in need of care with a recognized care level, effective January 2025.

This benefit is particularly valuable in Berlin. Many people here live in chosen families or queer networks, which often remain invisible when it comes to traditional care services. For LGBTIQ* seniors, the relief allowance is an opportunity to use everyday assistance in a very concrete and needs-based manner – so that it truly makes a difference.

What is behind the relief amount?

The relief amount is enshrined in Book XI of the Social Code. Every person in need of care with care levels 1 to 5 is entitled to €131 per month . The money is not paid out in cash but is used for support services through recognized providers. Typical services include daily assistance, care services, or household support.

The practical thing is that unused amounts don't expire immediately, but can be used up by June 30 of the following year. So, if you don't need much support in the spring, you can access a larger budget in the fall or winter.

👉 Official information is available from the Federal Ministry of Health – relief amount .

How can the relief amount be used in Berlin? Everyday assistance and care for LGBTIQ people

Berlin offers a wide range of possibilities. The 131 euros can be used flexibly – for example, for:

• Everyday help in the household: cleaning, laundry, cooking, shopping.

• Everyday support: appointments, walks, museum visits or theater evenings.

• Company: Reading aloud, playing games or simply having conversations.

• Relief for relatives and chosen families who take on care responsibilities.

LGBTIQ* seniors in particular benefit from services designed with queer sensitivity in mind. This is because chosen families, friends, and partners often assume central roles in care without legal protection.

👉 You can also find a queer perspective on care at queer-pflege.de .

Significance for LGBTIQ* seniors and chosen families

Many queer seniors report being hesitant to use traditional care services for fear of discrimination or a lack of understanding. Chosen families and circles of friends step in, but quickly reach their limits.

The relief allowance can have a significant impact here: It creates space for relief without forcing people to overburden themselves. For example, a daily helper can be hired for weekly cleaning, allowing adopted families time for shared activities. Or a daily companion can take care of doctor's appointments, so family members don't have to constantly adjust their working hours.

👉 LGBTIQ*-friendly counseling centers in Berlin, such as Schwulenberatung Berlin , support seniors in knowing their needs and finding queer-sensitive services.

Financing everyday help – very practical

The 131 euros can be invested directly in everyday assistance in Berlin. With AlleFarben's everyday assistance program , this includes household assistance, accompaniment to leisure activities, assistance with mail and billing, or simply companionship.

What's special about us is that we work with a sensitivity to both genders and diversity . This means that seniors don't have to explain or hide their life stories. Chosen families are recognized, and LGBTIQ* identities are respected. Thus, the relief amount becomes a true instrument for security, ease, and self-determination in everyday care .

👉 You can find more information in our overview of everyday assistance services .

Care advice: Keeping an overview

Many seniors and their families are unaware that they are entitled to the relief allowance in Berlin for everyday assistance and LGBTIQ care. Others are unsure how to apply for or pay for the benefits. The range of services available in Berlin is extensive, but confusing.

A care consultation (Section 7a) helps shed light on the situation: Which providers are recognized? How can the amount be combined with respite care or the new annual amount starting in July 2025? What steps are necessary to avoid losing the money?

Conclusion: Small amounts, big impact

The relief amount may seem small, but in total it makes a difference: 131 euros a month can noticeably ease the daily routine of care, relieve the burden on relatives and adopted families, and enable LGBTIQ* seniors to exercise more self-determination.

In a city like Berlin, it's an important tool for highlighting diversity and truly tailoring care to people's needs. Those who use it gain time, energy, and quality of life.

👉 You can get personal support through our care advice (§ 7a) , the everyday help services or directly on our contact page .