The application can be made at the earliest from the day of birth. Childcare allowance is paid retroactively for no more than 182 days, so a late application can result in loss of benefit periods.

With the competent health-insurance carrier; if no other carrier is competent, with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK). The application can be submitted in person, in writing or via the electronic channels listed on the official page.

Insurance and personal details, plus the evidence required for the chosen system. Compare the eligibility requirements of both systems before applying.

Both parents are bound by the selected system. Under the childcare allowance account, the duration and division between parents can be chosen within the statutory rules; the income-related system has its own employment and additional-income requirements.