On 6 November 2026, the Federal Government explained in writing to the German Bundestag the role that low-threshold assistance is intended to play in future for people in need of care. The response says that everyday support through neighbourhood assistance, recognised individual helpers and voluntary initiatives can usefully complement care provision and offer an affordable option alongside professional services in many regions. The statement is connected with the first reading of the Care Reorganisation Act on 5 and 6 November 2026.
The central focus of the government’s response is the community budgetproposed in the bill. It is intended to replace the existing relief allowance and to fund everyday support services from care level 2 onwards. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, a number of issues still need clarification: how needs will be assessed at municipal level, which recognition rules will apply to providers, how these services will be distinguished from professional care services, and which funding and documentation rules will apply. The response stresses that without clarified professional requirements and billing arrangements, low-threshold support cannot automatically be offered by all existing providers.
Ahead of the plenary debate, stakeholders warned of gaps in provision if the relief allowance is abolished without transitional arrangements. The German Nursing Council is calling for clearly defined responsibilities and procedures to avoid additional burdens on carers and care facilities. Welfare associations are insisting on workable recognition procedures and reliable funding arrangements for neighbourhood-based services. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds has, in its own statements, highlighted the need for clear billing and quality requirements so that funds reach people in need of care effectively.
The Federal Government, by contrast, points to the reform’s aim of care support and services being more closely tailored to individual needs in the local community, while keeping long-term care insurance financially sustainable. According to the government, specific implementation provisions are to be developed in further parliamentary deliberations. The response therefore primarily outlines the framework and outstanding decisions for the Care Reorganisation Act, without yet resolving the detailed questions.
For municipalities and providers, the costs and benefits will depend largely on the final legal provisions. Key factors will include swift recognition procedures for neighbourhood assistance, clear interfaces with municipal social work, and transparent funding flows. The German Bundestag will continue to discuss the issues in committee; amendments to the draft are usual and possible during the legislative process.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).