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§ 37.3 planner: when is your next advisory visit due?
Anyone receiving care allowance — including partially, as combined benefits — has to document an advisory visit regularly, or the allowance may be cut. Since 1 January 2026 the rhythm is every six months for all care levels 2–5. The calculator names your deadline and creates a calendar reminder.
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The advisory visit under § 37 (3) SGB XI is not an inspection but a statutory quality check on care at home: a qualified nurse comes to the home, gives practical advice and confirms the visit to the care insurance fund. For people receiving care allowance it is compulsory — if it is missed, the fund can reduce the allowance or, on repetition, withdraw it (§ 37 (6)).
On 1 January 2026 the deadlines were simplified: all care levels 2–5 now document the visit only once per calendar half-year. The former quarterly duty for care levels 4 and 5 has been dropped; anyone who wishes may still be advised more often voluntarily. Care level 1 may request the visit voluntarily every six months — paid for by the care insurance fund.
The video option is new too: after a first in-person consultation at home, every second visit may take place by video conference. Sonnenstrahlen carries out advisory visits across Berlin — in German, English or Russian, at short notice if needed.
The 2026 rules at a glance
- Since 1 January 2026: care levels 2–5 every six months — the quarterly duty for levels 4 and 5 has gone (still possible voluntarily)
- Care level 1: voluntary, possible every six months — the care insurance fund pays
- Compulsory when care allowance is drawn, including partially (combined benefits); voluntary with care services only
- After a first in-person consultation, every second visit may be by video conference
- Missing it can lead to a reduction or even withdrawal of the care allowance (§ 37 (6) SGB XI)
- The visit costs you nothing — the care insurance fund pays for it directly
How the calculator works
- Choose care level and type of benefit: Care allowance, combined benefits or care services only — that determines whether the visit is compulsory.
- Enter the last visit: Month and year are enough — or “never / don't know”.
- Get your deadline and reminder: Current status, the cut-off date for the current half-year, the next dates — as a calendar file (.ics) to save.
Frequently asked questions about the advisory visit
How often must I document the advisory visit in 2026?
If you receive care allowance (in full or partially as combined benefits) with care level 2–5, then once per calendar half-year — that is by 30 June and by 31 December. Care level 1 is not obliged to, but may request the visit voluntarily every six months.
What changed on 1 January 2026?
Until the end of 2025 care levels 4 and 5 had to document the visit quarterly. Since 1 January 2026 the six-monthly rhythm applies uniformly to all care levels 2–5; additional visits remain possible voluntarily and are still paid for by the care insurance fund.
What happens if I miss the appointment?
The care insurance fund may reduce the care allowance appropriately and, on repetition, withdraw it altogether (§ 37 (6) SGB XI). In practice the fund usually sends a reminder first — by then at the latest the visit should be caught up quickly. Our calculator produces timely calendar reminders for exactly that.
Can the visit take place by video?
Yes — after a first in-person consultation in your home, every second advisory visit may be carried out by video conference. At least every other visit must still take place in person.
Who may carry out the advisory visit?
Licensed care services such as Sonnenstrahlen, as well as approved advice centres and care advisers commissioned by the funds. You receive a confirmation that serves as proof for the care insurance fund — on request we send it to them directly.
What does the advisory visit cost me?
Nothing. The fee is paid by the care insurance fund directly to the service carrying it out — including for voluntary visits at care level 1 or with care services only.
Sources & legal position
The duty, the rhythm and the consequences of a missed visit are governed by § 37 (3) SGB XI; the version in force since 1 January 2026 — every six months for all care levels 2 to 5 — is explained by the Federal Ministry of Health. Legal position as of August 2026.
From the calculator to real relief
Sonnenstrahlen is a licensed care service with three offices in Berlin. We will work through your care situation concretely and without obligation — at the same rates as in this calculator — and can take over at short notice. Advice in German, English and Russian.
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