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Parental, Maternity, and Paternity Leave in Austria

How is parental leave payment calculated in Austria?

In Austria, parental leave is unpaid. However, supported employees who earn less than a specified annual salary may qualify for a child care allowance provided by the government.

What is the process for applying for paternity leave in Austria?

Employees in Austria must send their paternity leave request at least 3 months before the due date.

How long is maternity leave in Austria?

Maternity leave in Austria typically lasts for 16 weeks, divided into:

  • 8 weeks before the expected delivery date.
  • 8 weeks after the birth.

In cases of cesarean sections or multiple births, the post-birth leave extends to at least 12 weeks. If the pre-birth leave was shortened, the post-birth leave may be extended to compensate, up to a maximum of 16 weeks.

During this period, the employee receives maternity pay from the social insurance system, equal to 100% of their average earnings from the last 13 weeks of employment.

After maternity leave, employees are entitled to take parental leave. If the employee gives birth, she is statutorily entitled to request further unpaid parental leave (alternating between parents if they so choose) until the end of the second year of the child’s life, provided she lives with the child in a joint household and complies with the relevant notification requirements.

What are the eligibility rules for maternity leave in Austria?

In Austria, there are no specific restrictions on eligibility for maternity leave. However, pregnant employees must present a maternity protection certificate to their employer to confirm both their eligibility for maternity leave and the maternity protection period.

How is maternity leave payment calculated in Austria?

In Austria, maternity leave is fully paid. During the 16 weeks of maternity leave, the employee may be entitled to receive maternity benefits, known locally as “Wochengeld,” from governmental institutions.

What is the process for applying for maternity leave in Austria?

To apply for maternity leave in Austria, a supported employee must follow these steps:

  • Notify Velocity Global Austria of the desired start date and duration of the maternity leave by the end of the employment prohibition period after giving birth.
  • If the supported employee wishes to extend the initially notified maternity leave, they must inform Velocity Global Austria of the extension duration at least 3 months before the end of the current maternity leave. If the current maternity leave lasts less than 3 months, the extension notification must be given at least 2 months before the end of the maternity leave.
  • Inform Velocity Global Austria immediately if the child for whom the maternity leave is claimed no longer resides in the same household as the supported employee.

How long is the paternity leave in Austria?

Fathers in Austria who have worked for their employers for at least 26 weeks are eligible for paternity leave lasting between 28 and 31 days.

How is paternity leave payment calculated in Austria?

Paternity leave in Austria of up to 1 month is generally unpaid. However, supported employees may receive an allowance from their health insurance provider during this period.

What is the process for applying for parental leave in Austria?

Parental leave in Austria must be requested before the end of the 8th week after the birth of the child.

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