Hooldajatoetust

Hooldajatoetust is a caregiver allowance designed to support people who provide long-term care to a relative or close person who cannot manage independently due to illness, disability, or old age. The benefit recognizes the time, effort, and costs associated with informal caregiving and aims to reduce financial hardship and enable the caregiver to balance care with other life responsibilities.

Scope and eligibility are defined by national rules. In general, eligibility requires that the caregiver provides substantial, regular care to a person who has ongoing care needs and who resides in the same household or has a close caregiving relationship. The care recipient’s condition must be medically verified, and the caregiver’s duties must be substantial enough to affect their work life or income. Applications typically consider the caregiver’s time spent on care, the level of assistance required by the care recipient, and sometimes the caregiver’s own employment situation or income. Means testing and residency requirements may apply, and the rules can vary by country or region.

Administration and payment follow formal social security procedures. The caregiver applies to the national social security authority, submitting documentation such as a care plan, medical assessments, and records of caregiving time. The benefit is usually paid monthly and may be adjusted for other income or benefits. Tax treatment and duration of the award depend on local law; it may be granted for a fixed period or as long as care duties continue.

Impact and policy discussions focus on the support provided to informal caregivers, potential gaps in coverage, and the balance between financial assistance and encouraging formal long-term care options. See also informal caregiving, social security, and caregiver benefits.