The child sick leave benefit in Germany is one of the key provisions in the German social system, especially for working parents. In 2025, the rules for granting this benefit have been slightly updated to better reflect the needs of families and the evolving realities of work and caregiving.
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When is the child sick leave benefit granted in Germany?
This benefit is available to parents of children up to 12 years of age. With no age limit if the child has a certified disability and requires constant care. One of the parents must be employed and insured under the public health insurance system (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), and the child must be co-insured. Additionally, the benefit is only paid if no other household member can take over care for the sick child.
In the case of single parents, the rules are somewhat more favorable. They are entitled to an extended period of benefit usage.
How many days are granted in 2025?
In 2025, the following limits apply to the number of days a parent can receive the child sick leave benefit:
- 15 days per child per year for each parent
- 30 days per child for single parents
These days are not counted as regular vacation leave – they are considered leave from work due to the necessity of caring for a sick child.
How to apply for the benefit?
To receive the benefit, the parent must first take the child to a pediatrician or family doctor. The doctor will issue a certificate confirming the need for care. Starting in 2025, it is also possible to obtain this certificate via telemedicine. The certificate must be submitted to both the employer and the health insurance fund.
Some public health insurers allow the application to be submitted entirely online, significantly speeding up the process.
How much is the child sick leave benefit in 2025?
The amount of the benefit depends on the earnings of the parent taking care of the child. In 2025, the Kinderkrankengeld equals 70% of the gross daily wage, but not more than 90% of the net wage. There is also a statutory daily cap on the benefit, which in 2025 is a maximum of €128.63 per day.
The benefit is usually paid within a few days after submitting the complete application. However, it’s important to note that although the benefit is exempt from social security contributions, it is subject to income tax progression (i.e. it increases the taxable income level, potentially raising the tax rate).
Sick leave benefit and remote work – what has changed?
A new addition in 2025 is the clearer regulation concerning parents working remotely. If remote work is possible and the parent chooses to continue working despite the child’s illness, they are not entitled to the benefit. However, if caring for the child makes it impossible to perform job duties (e.g., due to frequent medical attention or the child being very young), the parent can apply for the benefit even while working remotely – but this requires justification and approval from the health insurance fund.
The child sick leave benefit in Germany in 2025 offers real support for parents who must balance professional obligations with caring for a sick child. Clear rules, extended limits, and simplified electronic procedures make this one of the most parent-friendly systems in Europe. It’s essential to remember the applicable limits and the obligation to inform both the employer and the insurer in order to secure the right to this benefit.
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