Paid Leave to Care for a Sick Child in Austria

Paid Leave to Care for a Sick Child in Austria A complete guide to paid leave for caring for a sick child under 12 in Austria: who is eligible, how to apply, payment amounts, and a comparison with other EU countries. Topics: News, Economy.

Paid leave to care for a sick child in Austria is one of the most discussed topics in the country’s labor legislation. In 2026, government agencies clarified the details of this type of leave, and employers are actively adapting their policies. If you are planning to work in Austria and want to know how to arrange paid leave to care for a sick child, this article will provide complete answers.

What is “paid leave to care for a sick child”?

According to the official resource Leave (annual leave, parental leave etc.), employees are entitled to an additional week of leave per calendar year if a child under 12 years old falls ill and requires care. This rule is also outlined in the document Leave Policy in Austria: Updated for 2025, which notes that “an additional week of paid leave may be granted annually if a child under 12 falls ill and requires care.”

How to apply for leave?

The process is fairly straightforward: the employee informs the employer about the child’s illness, providing a medical certificate. Then a formal request must be submitted to the HR department. The law guarantees that one additional week of paid leave can be used during the year. If the child falls ill again, a second additional week in the same year cannot be claimed.

It is important to remember that in addition to this week, there is a standard annual leave, which ranges from 25 to 30 working days depending on the industry and employment contract. Some employers offer more generous conditions, including flexible schedules or the possibility of remote work while the child is ill.

What is the pay during such leave?

According to Austria Leave Laws & Holidays, from the 43rd day of illness, an employee receives 60% of their usual daily earnings. However, in the case of “paid leave to care for a sick child,” the pay is maintained in full, meaning 100% of the usual salary for each day of leave.

What restrictions apply?

• Leave is granted for only one child under 12 years old per year.
• The illness must be confirmed by a medical document.
• Leave can only be used in the current calendar year.

Comparison with other EU countries

In Germany, for example, the law allows up to 10 days of “care leave,” but pay is often limited to 70% of salary. In France, similar leave (conge pour enfant malade) lasts up to 3 days per year with full pay, and additional leave may be granted by agreement with the employer. Austria occupies a middle position, providing one full week with full pay, making it attractive for working parents.

How do employers view this rule?

Most large companies in Austria have already included a provision on “paid leave to care for a sick child” in their internal policies. This is particularly relevant for IT companies, where flexible schedules and remote work enable faster adaptation to employees’ needs. Some small businesses may face financial difficulties, but government support in the form of subsidies eases the process.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can this leave be used if the child already attends school?

Yes. The law does not restrict based on school attendance; the key requirement is that the child must be under 12 years old and have a doctor’s confirmation.

What should I do if the child falls ill twice in one year?

In this case, only one additional week can be used. For repeat cases, it is recommended to discuss with the employer the possibility of a flexible schedule or remote work.

How does the leave affect pension contributions?

Since pay is provided in full, pension contributions remain at the usual level, which does not reduce your future pension income.

Practical tips for working parents

1. Collect medical certificates promptly — this will speed up the approval process.
2. Discuss the possibility of a flexible schedule with your employer before any illness occurs.
3. Keep copies of all applications and confirmations in your personal account on the HR platform.

Following these simple rules will help minimize stress and ensure your child receives the necessary care without financial losses.