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Germany to reduce child sick leave entitlements in 2027
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2026-09-25 03:35 UTC → 2026-09-27 00:39 UTC ·
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Germany to reduce child sick leave policy changes entitlements in 2027
The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Health Minister Carsten Linnemann has announced Linnemann, is proceeding with plans to reduce the number of days parents can claim paid child sick leave to care for children (Kinderkrankentage) starting in January 1, 2027. The initiative seeks aims to roll back special pandemic-era regulations implemented during to boost economic efficiency and reduce overall sick leave rates. As part of the COVID-19 pandemic. GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz, the reform seeks to save approximately 100 million euros to stabilize statutory health insurance contribution rates. Under the current system, legally insured proposal, the entitlement for parents can claim up to will decrease from 15 to 10 working days per child, child. For families with single parents receiving up to 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. The proposed changes would return Single parents will face significant reductions: entitlements for one child will drop from 30 to pre-pandemic levels of 10 days per parent and child, or 20 days days, for single parents. Part of a broader health agenda by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, the policy aims two children from 60 to reduce overall sick leave rates 40 days, and increase economic efficiency. for three or more children from 70 to 50 days. Additional measures may include requiring medical certificates from the first day of illness and the abolition of abolishing telephone-based sick notes. The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition Opposition politicians, social associations, and unions, who contend and social associations have criticized the reductions place 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 result in lead to sick children being sent to schools or daycare centers. While SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch has expressed support for supported the principle of the agreement, he noted emphasized that parliamentary processes should must consider critical voices, particularly voices from the medical community.
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- 2026-09-27 00:39 UTC Germany to reduce child sick leave entitlements in 2027
- 2026-09-25 03:35 UTC Germany child sick leave policy changes
- 2026-09-24 11:08 UTC Germany child sick leave policy changes
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