Long-Term Care Insurance 2026: Contribution Rate Rises to 3.6%
Social long-term care insurance is getting more expensive again: From January 1, 2026, the contribution rate rises to 3.6% of gross salary. However, not everyone pays the same: Since the Federal Constitutional Court ruling in 2022, the employee share depends on the number of children.
Contribution Rates 2026 by Number of Children
| Children | Total Rate | Employer Share | Employee Share | Surcharge/Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childless (from age 23) | 4.20% | 1.80% | 2.40% | +0.60% surcharge |
| 1 child | 3.60% | 1.80% | 1.80% | Base |
| 2 children | 3.60% | 1.80% | 1.55% | -0.25% |
| 3 children | 3.60% | 1.80% | 1.30% | -0.50% |
| 4 children | 3.60% | 1.80% | 1.05% | -0.75% |
| 5+ children | 3.60% | 1.80% | 0.80% | -1.00% |
Note: The discount only applies for children under 25. The childless surcharge applies for life from age 23.
Calculation Example: 4,000 Euros Gross
Childless (from age 23):
4,000 euros x 2.40% = 96.00 euros employee share/month
2 children (under 25):
4,000 euros x 1.55% = 62.00 euros employee share/month
Difference: 34.00 euros per month = 408 euros per year.
What You Should Do Now
- Check your payslip: Verify that your employer accounts for the correct number of children.
- Report number of children: Actively inform your HR department about children under 25.
- Contribution ceiling: The ceiling for long-term care insurance in 2026 is 5,512.50 euros/month.
Sources: SGB XI Sections 55, 55a; BVerfG ruling 1 BvL 3/18; BMAS Social Insurance Values 2026
Check your care contribution: See exactly how the number of children affects your net pay - including all 2026 changes: Go to Gross-Net Calculator.