No. It is always necessary to pay a contribution unless the care is provided by family members. If the income and assets are not sufficient to cover the additional costs, it is necessary to file an application with the Sozialamt (Social Welfare Office) at the same time that a long-term care agreement is signed. In case of doubt, you should always file an application, since social assistance benefits are never granted retroactively, but instead only take effect when the application is filed.