# Germany to reduce child sick leave entitlements in 2027

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/germany-child-sick-leave-policy-changes
> Updated: 2026-09-26T22:39:07.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3.

The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Health Minister Carsten Linnemann, is proceeding with plans to reduce paid child sick leave (Kinderkrankentage) starting January 1, 2027. The initiative aims to roll back pandemic-era regulations to boost economic efficiency and reduce overall sick leave rates.

As part of the GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz, the reform seeks to save approximately 100 million euros to stabilize statutory health insurance contribution rates. Under the proposal, the entitlement for parents will decrease from 15 to 10 working days per child. For families with two children, the total quota will drop from 30 to 20 days, while families with three or more children will see a reduction from 35 to 25 days.

Single parents will face significant reductions: entitlements for one child will drop from 30 to 20 days, for two children from 60 to 40 days, and for three or more children from 70 to 50 days. Additional measures include requiring medical certificates from the first day of illness and abolishing telephone-based sick notes.

Opposition politicians, unions, and social associations have criticized the move, warning it places an “undue burden on families” and may disproportionately affect women and single-parent households. Critics expressed concern that the cuts could lead to sick children being sent to schools or daycare centers. While SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch supported the principle of the agreement, he emphasized that parliamentary processes must consider critical voices from the medical community.

## Claims

- Health Minister Carsten Linnemann intends to reduce the number of child sick days starting in 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Currently, legally insured parents can claim up to 15 days of child sick pay per child. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Single parents currently receive up to 30 days of child sick pay. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The proposed reduction would return the allowance to 10 days per child for parents and 20 days for single parents. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Child sick pay typically covers 90 percent of lost net income. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Health Minister Carsten Linnemann intends to maintain Germany's dual health insurance system. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Germany to reduce child sick pay entitlements in 2027

Starting January 2027, Germany will reduce child sick pay entitlements from 15 to 10 days per parent to save 100 million euros and stabilize health insurance rates.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-to-reduce-child-sick-pay-entitlements-in-2027

### 2026-09-23: Germany to reduce paid child sick days starting in 2027

The German government plans to reduce paid child sick days from 15 to 10 per parent starting in 2027, aiming to end pandemic-era special rules and reduce overall sick leave.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-health-minister-plans-to-reduce-child-sick-days-in-2027

### 2026-09-07: Lithuania: Parental sick leave rights and child immunity tips

Lithuanian parents can access sick leave benefits for children under 14 for up to 14 days, while pediatric experts recommend nutrient-rich diets to boost immunity during the autumn virus season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithuania-parental-sick-leave-rights-and-child-immunity-tips

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Cite as: Germany to reduce child sick leave entitlements in 2027. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/germany-child-sick-leave-policy-changes