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Germany to reduce paid child sick days starting in 2027
The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Health Minister Carsten Linnemann, is moving to roll back pandemic-era social benefits. Starting in 2027, the number of paid child sick days (Kinderkrankentage) will be reduced from the current 15 days per parent to the pre-pandemic level of 10 days. Single parents will see their entitlement drop from 30 days to 20 days.
Minister Linnemann stated that these measures are intended to end “special rules” introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and to reduce overall sick leave to boost the economy. The government also plans to introduce a requirement for medical certificates starting from the first day of illness and to abolish telephone-based sick notes.
These proposals have faced significant criticism from social associations, unions, and opposition politicians, who argue the cuts will place an undue burden on families and potentially lead to sick children being sent to schools and daycare centers. SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch has expressed support for the principle of the agreement but noted that parliamentary processes should consider critical voices, particularly from the medical community.
Entities
Bundestag · CDU · Carsten Linnemann · Friedrich Merz · Germany · Katharina Reiche · Matthias Miersch
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Single parents currently receive up to 30 days of child sick pay. www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Child sick pay typically covers 90 percent of lost net income. www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Health Minister Carsten Linnemann intends to reduce the number of child sick days starting in 2027. www.op-online.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Health Minister Carsten Linnemann intends to maintain Germany's dual health insurance system. www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] The proposed reduction would return the allowance to 10 days per child for parents and 20 days for single parents. www.op-online.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Currently, legally insured parents can claim up to 15 days of child sick pay per child. www.op-online.de