Practical guide
Care grade: applying and preparing for assessment
Source text as of 2 September 2026 · General information
Apply to the Pflegekasse attached to your health insurer. It then commissions Medizinischer Dienst or an independent assessor.
Documents and information to prepare
- Insured person’s details and insurance number
- Application or confirmation of the request to Pflegekasse
- Diagnoses, treatments and treating doctors
- Current medication plan
- Medical findings, discharge records and hospital or rehabilitation reports
- Existing disability or other benefit decisions
- List of assistive equipment used
- An accurate record of everyday help needed; a care diary may be useful
- Caregiver details and any power of attorney
Important to know
The assessment considers independence in everyday life. It is helpful to have a relative or the person who usually provides support present.
Official sources and forms
Official care grade procedurePreparing for and challenging an assessmentThis guide provides general information. The institution or provider may request additional documents depending on your circumstances.