When a parent needs a place in a nursing home, many families face an uncomfortable question: do we as children have to contribute? The answer depends less on the need for care than on your own income. Parental maintenance in Germany is tied to an income threshold that has applied since 1 January 2020.
Short answer: Children are liable to maintain their parents only if their annual gross income exceeds 100,000 euros. This threshold has applied since 1 January 2020 (Verbraucherzentrale, status 20 May 2025). Below the threshold, the child’s assets play no role. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points at a glance
- The threshold is an annual gross income of more than 100,000 euros and applies since 1 January 2020.
- Only the child’s income counts, not the income of a spouse.
- Total income also includes other earnings, for example from letting property.
- Below the threshold, the child’s assets are not examined.
- Above the threshold, the social welfare office may ask for information on assets, and the child keeps a self-retention amount.
When does parental maintenance come into consideration?
Parental maintenance becomes payable when parents cannot cover the costs of a nursing home themselves. According to the Verbraucherzentrale, one requirement is that the parents receive benefits under Book Twelve of the Social Code (SGB XII). The rule is found in section 94 SGB XII. The social welfare office advances the costs and can then claim the entitlement from the children.
It is important to distinguish between the co-payments of residents themselves and the maintenance claim against the children. Maintenance comes into play only once the parents’ own resources are insufficient. The amount of co-payments depends on the facility and the care level. Our guide on care levels and benefits gives an overview.
How is the 100,000 euro threshold calculated?
The threshold refers to the child’s income, not to the household income as a whole. For total income, the Verbraucherzentrale refers to section 16 SGB IV. Tax deductions such as the child allowance are not taken into account, so the threshold applies to gross income.
| Feature | Rule according to the Verbraucherzentrale |
|---|---|
| Relevant amount | Annual gross income of the child |
| Threshold | More than 100,000 euros per year |
| Spouse | The spouse’s income does not count |
| Other earnings | Part of total income, e.g. from letting property |
| Tax deductions | Not taken into account |
| Presumption | A statutory presumption applies that the threshold is not exceeded |
What role do assets play?
As long as income stays below the threshold, the child’s assets play no role. Above the threshold, the social welfare office may, after a determination, also ask for information on assets. The child must be left a self-retention amount, which is checked in each individual case. The Verbraucherzentrale names no fixed sum for this, so we do not quote a figure here.
Worked examples on the income threshold
The two examples below only show how the threshold works. They do not replace an examination by the social welfare office.
- Assumption: the child earns 85,000 euros gross per year. The threshold of 100,000 euros is not exceeded. No maintenance duty arises under this rule, and assets are not examined.
- Assumption: the child earns 120,000 euros gross per year. The threshold is exceeded by 20,000 euros. The social welfare office may now ask for information on assets, and the amount of any claim depends on the individual case.
In the second example, the sum remains open, because it depends on the self-retention amount, other income and assets. A reliable calculation requires information from the responsible social welfare office.
What children should do now
If you expect a claim for parental maintenance, sort out your income position early. The following steps help you clarify the position before the social welfare office approaches the family.
- Gather income records for recent years, with gross and net amounts.
- Record other earnings, for example from letting property, so you know your total income.
- Ask the responsible social welfare office which information it needs and by when.
- Seek advice if you are unsure, for example from the Verbraucherzentrale or a family law adviser.
Why the threshold matters for family planning
The income threshold works like a safety net. If you know that your gross income stays below 100,000 euros, you can plan for your parents’ care without reacting to every enquiry at once. This matters especially for new graduates who reach their first larger salary step and at the same time think about their own commitments.
At the same time, the threshold does not replace planning. A family in which both parents need care faces different questions from a family in which only one parent depends on help. It is therefore worth discussing the situation early with all siblings and agreeing on responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Do children always have to pay their parents’ nursing home costs?
No. The duty arises only if the child’s gross income exceeds the 100,000 euro threshold. Below it, there is no duty to pay under this rule.
Does the threshold also apply to the child’s spouse?
According to the Verbraucherzentrale, only the child’s own income counts. The spouse’s income is not used for the threshold.
What happens to assets if income is above the threshold?
The social welfare office may then, after a determination, ask for information on assets. The child keeps a self-retention amount. The authority examines how high this is in the individual case.
Since when does the 100,000 euro threshold apply?
The threshold has applied since 1 January 2020. According to the Verbraucherzentrale, it was introduced with the Act on Relief for Relatives (Angehörigen-Entlastungsgesetz).
Does a care level help the parents get a nursing home place?
The care level determines the benefits of the long-term care insurance. It does not change the income threshold for children. The procedure for applying is described in our guide applying for a care level.
What happens if the social welfare office asks for information?
The social welfare office usually requests information before it asserts a claim. Answer the questions fully and with supporting documents, and have deadlines confirmed in writing. If you cannot provide a piece of information, say so early and give the reason. Careful documentation prevents misunderstandings and later follow-up questions.
What to do now
- Check whether your gross annual income is above or below 100,000 euros.
- Note other earnings and set them against your gross income.
- Clarify with the social welfare office which documents an examination needs.
- Follow whether the 2027 care reform brings changes to benefits and co-payments.
Related reading
- Care reform 2027: what is settled and what is still in process
- Applying for a care level: procedure, deadlines and assessment
- Care levels 1 to 5: which benefits belong to which level
- Care relief allowance: what it can be used for until 2026
Sources:
- Verbraucherzentrale, Parental maintenance: children pay only from 100,000 euros annual income, status 20 May 2025
- Law: Social Code Book Twelve (SGB XII), section 94 (transfer of claims)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
