#LifeInCzechia Parental allowance and child allowance policies are crucial in supporting young families. The aim is to provide financial support and time off work for new parents after maternity leave ends. In the Czech Republic, the government has implemented a comprehensive system to ensure the well-being of both parents and their children. Find out more about these benefits in our article.
How does paternity leave work?
Parental Allowance
What Is It?
Parental allowance is linked to maternity leave and its direct continuation. It is a benefit for a parent (either the mother or the father) who personally provides full-time care for the youngest child in the family for an entire calendar month.
For children born before 31 December 2023:
You can receive up to CZK 300,000 (or CZK 450,000 for 2+ children).
This amount must be paid by the child’s 4th birthday at the latest. After this time, you lose your entitlement to the allowance.
For children born after 1 January 2024:
You can receive up to CZK 350,000 (or CZK 525,000 for 2+ children).
This amount must be paid by the child’s 3rd birthday at the latest. After this time, you lose your entitlement to the allowance.
Did you know?
In case you don’t meet the conditions to receive maternity leave, you can ask for parental allowance immediately after birth.
Legal Framework
Both the beneficiary and the child who qualifies for the parental allowance must meet the conditions of permanent residence and domicile within the territory of the Czech Republic.
The parent can choose the monthly amount of parental allowance. It is determined by the average daily income. You can receive from CZK 50 (minimum) up to CZK 11,500 (maximum). You can change this amount once every three months.
If you have received a benefit similar to the parental allowance for the youngest child in another country, the amount received in that country will be subtracted from the total parental allowance.
In case you start your second maternity leave before you have finished your parental allowance, you can change the amount of the parental allowance at the time of pregnancy and withdraw the full amount “faster”. The unpaid part of the parental allowance cannot be recovered.
To submit an “Application for parental allowance” you will need:
- the child’s birth certificate
- both parents’ identity card
- a certificate from the Social Security Agency (ČSSZ) stating that you are entitled to the benefit
This benefit is paid by the Labour Office of the Czech Republic.
It is possible to submit the application or change the amount online BUT the form is in Czech only. Find the form here.
What is a child allowance?
Child Allowance
What is it?
Child benefit is provided to families with children as a basic long-term benefit at three levels depending on the age of the child:
- child up to 6 years old – CZK 830/month
- child from 6 to 15 years old – CZK 970/month
- child from 15 to 26 years old – CZK 1,080/month
The allowance is increased by CZK 500 if any of the caretakers have an income as a business person, from sick leave, pension or unemployment benefit, care allowance for a person under 18, or parental allowance.
The higher rates of child allowance in these cases are:
- child up to 6 years old – CZK 1,3330/month
- child from 6 to 15 years old – CZK 1,470/month
- child from 15 to 26 years old – CZK 1,580/month
Legal Framework
Entitlement to the allowance arises if the family’s income doesn’t exceed 3.4 times the family’s minimum income. This is calculated as the sum of the minimum incomes of each family member. Here you can find an easy calculator (in Czech only).
You can apply for a child allowance at the local Labour Office of the Czech Republic. You will need proof of your income (e.g. an employer confirmation).
It is possible to submit the application or declare your income online BUT the form is in Czech only. Find the form here.
If you want to feel at home, check out our categories of “Health” and “Practical tips for expats” where you will find interesting information about the Czech Republic and recommendations how to make your life here easier.
Sources: euraxess.cz, mpsv.cz, mpsv.cz
