4.1 Regelungen im Job

Do you still have to work if your child is sick?

According to section 45 in the German social security statute book provided by the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, you don’t have to come to work if your child is sick. 

In case you need to pick up your child from school because it is sick, you are allowed to leave your workplace. This is especially true if no one else can look after the child. but don’t forget to tell your superior.

Every employee is entitled to leave of absence if their child is sick – up to a maximum of ten working days per child in the calendar year. Care for the child must be arranged though if he or she is sick for a longer period of time.

If an employee has more than two children, the maximum entitlement is 25 days. For a single parent, a maximum of 50 working days can be taken off due to sick children. They are meanwhile limited to 20 days per child each year.

What other requirements need to be filled?

The law applies to children under the age of twelve, with the exception of those with disabilities or in need of assistance. The term children can include one’s stepchildren and adopted children.

A doctor’s note must also be issued proving the child’s illness from the very first day the youngster falls ill – unlike for adults who typically require a doctor’s note for their employer on the third sick day.

Both the parent and the child moreover need to be covered by statutory health insurance. Parents with private insurance unfortunately aren’t covered by the legal right to take up to ten working days off per year if their kid is sick.

Another requirement is that no other people living in the household, such as grandparents or a nanny, are able to take care of the ill child.

Do you still get paid while caring for your sick child?

Employees typically receive their full income the first five days taken off – though not all companies offer that. As well, some employers include clauses in contracts with their employees that waive this right.

Can you take unpaid leave?

There is no general right to unpaid leave in the event that your child is sick. Check with your employer if you have any questions or doubts about this.

If your employer does grant unpaid leave in this circumstance, it should be recorded in writing to avoid colleagues potentially claiming later on that you simply failed to come into work.

Source and more information at:
https://www.thelocal.de/20180220/what-working-parents-need-to-know-when-their-child-is-sick