In certain cases, the statutory health funds (Krankenkassen) or the national pension authority (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) will pay the cost of household help.

For example, you may be entitled to help if you are temporarily unable to manage your own home because of serious illness or a stay in hospital and your household includes a child under 12 years of age who needs to be cared for.

Further information is available from the Federal Ministry of Health, the consumer advice centers and the statutory health funds.

If you have private health insurance you should contact your health insurer to find out what you are entitled to.

20