Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has announced relief for parents when it comes to child sickness benefits. “We are ensuring that parents no longer have to run to the doctor on the first day that their child is sick in order to claim child sickness benefit,” said the SPD politician to “Bild am Sonntag”. That is senseless bureaucracy. “We can trust the parents. A visit to the doctor only becomes necessary from the fourth day of illness.” The change should apply “ideally during this winter cold season”.
Parents can take time off work for sick children up to the age of twelve. The health insurance company covers a large part of the loss of earnings and pays child sickness benefit – usually 90 percent of net earnings.
On Thursday, a law passed the Bundestag that would increase the number of days for which parents can apply for child sickness benefit. After special regulations in the corona pandemic expire, from 2024 there would actually be 10 children’s sick days per year per parent – the law now increases the number to 15 days per child and parent for 2024 and 2025. However, the Federal Council still has to agree to this.
