Women who become pregnant while on parental leave, but no longer receive childcare allowance, are not entitled to the so-called maternity benefit. According to the Supreme Court’s interpretation, this is contrary to EU law. Now the federal government has closed that gap.
The coalition has announced the introduction of a “special weekly allowance”. “Certainly when two children are born close together, families need every euro,” the minister said on Saturday.
Expectant mothers are no longer allowed to work from the start of maternity leave – usually eight weeks before and after the due date. The weekly benefit offers women financial security at this time.
An EU directive stipulates that women are entitled to continued payment of wages or social benefits during their maternity leave. In a ruling from August last year, the OGH confirmed that this also applies if a reduced, income-related childcare allowance and a longer duration of parental leave are chosen.
This is how much money pregnant women get
The amount of the new “special weekly benefit” is based on the increased sick pay, which guarantees financial security even with a longer sick leave period. The introduction will take effect retroactively on November 1, 2023. 70 percent of the costs will be covered by the Family Burden Compensation Fund (FLAF), 30 percent by the woman’s health insurance.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
