Parental Leave

There are two models of childcare allowance in Austria – income-related and flat-rate.
The maximum duration of this payment model is ten months for one parent, or twelve months if the parents share the parental leave.

Going back to “paid” work after a time-out period as a parent is a step that can bring up many questions. Some parents are keen to return to the profession they had previously. Others would like to explore something different. Many are unsure how their decisions will affect their family and their life generally.

Parents in employment prior to the birth are entitled to parental leave. Legally, this leave can begin as soon as the maternity leave finishes and can last until the child’s second birthday.
The parental leave can be taken by just one parent or shared between both.

Expectant mothers in employment benefit from special protection under the Maternity Act (Mutterschutzgesetz) as soon as they have informed their employer about their pregnancy. Maternity leave begins eight weeks before the due date.