Child Sick Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access paid leave to care for your sick child if you are covered by statutory insurance in Germany.
Child Sick Pay provides paid leave for parents who need to stay home to care for a child who is unwell.
Who it's for
This scheme is designed for parents who are covered under statutory health insurance. If your child becomes ill and requires your direct care, you may qualify for this support to manage both your professional responsibilities and your family's health needs.
What you get
When your child is sick, this scheme provides you with paid leave. This allows you to take time away from work to provide necessary care without losing your income. Under this scheme, each parent is eligible for up to 15 days of paid leave per child.
What it costs you
There is no direct fee to apply for this benefit. However, you will need to spend time gathering the necessary medical documentation. You must obtain a doctor's note for your child to prove the illness and justify your absence from work.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that this benefit is not intended for situations where childcare is otherwise available. It only applies if there is no other person in your household who is able to provide the required care for the child.
How to apply
- Take your child to a doctor to receive a medical certificate confirming their illness.
- Contact your health insurance fund to notify them that you need to claim child sick pay.
- Submit the official medical documentation provided by the doctor to your insurance provider to finalize your claim.