Child sick AU: How sick leave works for parents
When their own child is ill, many parents have to take a short break from work to look after them. In this case, there is the so-called child sick leave – a certificate of incapacity for work that does not affect the parents themselves, but the sick child. It allows mothers or fathers to take a temporary break from work without having to fear any consequences under employment law.
Abstract
- Kindkrank-AU enables parents to take short-term sick leave if their child is ill.
- Prerequisite: The child is legally insured, under 12 years old and no other caregiver is available.
- The certificate can be issued by a doctor – also via telemedicine.
What is a childhood illness AU?
Child sick leave is a special form of sick leave where parents are not sick themselves but have to care for their sick child. It is used to care for the child at home if it requires medical attention and no other caregiver is available. The special feature: The entitlement is regulated by law – there is a quota of days per parent and calendar year for each child with statutory health insurance.
Who is entitled to child sickness insurance?
The entitlement to time off work when a child is ill is based on § 45 SGB V. In principle, the following applies:
- Parent is covered by statutory insurance (also family insurance)
- Child is also covered by statutory insurance
- Child is younger than 12 years or disabled and dependent on assistance
- No other person living in the household can provide care
Private health insurance companies do not offer a statutory entitlement, but can offer individual solutions – it is worth taking a look at the contract documents.
How many days are parents entitled to?
Each parent is currently entitled to 30 working days per year for each child – a maximum of 65 days if there are several children. The entitlement is doubled for single parents. Important: The child sick days apply independently of your own vacation entitlement and are not offset against it.
Tip: If both parents are working, they can take turns with the child sick days – a combination is possible without any problems.
How does the child sickness AU work?
The child sickness certificate is issued by a doctor after a medical assessment of the sick child. Since the pandemic, this has also been possible digitally via video consultation. Via TeleClinic, people with statutory health insurance can have a quick and uncomplicated consultation with a doctor – without the need for a waiting room.
- Book an appointment online
- Video call with a doctor
- Child is assessed by a doctor using visual diagnostics
- If medically necessary: issue of a child sickness certificate
The certificate of incapacity for work is then sent digitally to the health insurance company. The insured person also receives a copy for the employer – by email or, if desired, by post.
Important: The sick note can only be issued after a medical consultation via video – blanket requests or purely online forms are not sufficient.
What does the health insurance fund pay if the child is ill?
During the leave of absence, parents with statutory health insurance receive child sickness benefit from their health insurance fund – amounting to 90% of their lost net pay. As a rule, the employer does not pay any wages during this time.
- The health insurance company pays for a maximum of 30 days per parent and child
- For several children: up to 65 days per year
- Single parents: up to 60 days per child (max. 130 if more than one)
The money must be actively applied for from the health insurance fund – preferably immediately after receiving the sick note.
What is the situation for privately insured persons?
Parents who are privately insured are not legally entitled to child sickness benefit. Whether a sick note is accepted and whether there are replacement benefits depends on the respective insurance contract. Some private tariffs include so-called “parental sickness benefits” – but many do not.
Nevertheless, TeleClinic can also issue a child sickness certificate for privately insured persons – if this is required under employment law or requested by the employer. In any case, it is important to clarify which regulations apply with the insurance company or employer beforehand.
Does the employer have to be informed?
Yes – as with a regular sick note, the following also applies to a child sick note: the employer must be informed immediately. The sick note should be submitted on the following day at the latest. Some employers even require the certificate from the first day of absence.
How often can you take child sick days?
The child sick days can be spread out over the year or bundled – depending on when and how often the child is ill. It is important that a doctor’s certificate is provided for each illness, even if several days are taken in a row.
Conclusion: Kindkrank-AU offers legal security – also digitally
Parents should not be afraid to take advantage of the statutory leave of absence in the event of their child’s illness. With the child sick leave certificate, they protect themselves legally – and enable their child to receive the necessary care. Thanks to modern telemedicine such as TeleClinic, the certificate can be issued quickly, discreetly and from home – after a mandatory medical consultation via video.
- 1st child ill? Inform employer directly.
- 2. make an online appointment with TeleClinic.
- 3. medical assessment by video – and if necessary: receive a medical certificate.
Whether you have statutory or private insurance, it’s important to be prepared. If you know your rights, you can act quickly if the worst comes to the worst and be there for your child – without stressing about work.
