Pregnancy: check authorities and benefits
2 tasks in suggested order
1. Notify the employer of the pregnancy and expected due date
If applicable: Only for employment covered by the relevant maternity-protection rules.
Employees must notify the employer of the pregnancy and expected due date when they become aware of it.
Immediately after becoming aware of the pregnancy and the expected date of birth.
Employer.
Expected due date; medical confirmation if requested.
These notification obligations apply to employees. The Maternity Protection Act does not apply in the same way to business owners and new self-employed persons.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
2. Check childcare allowance
If applicable: For the period after birth, check the available model and eligibility in good time.
Childcare allowance has two systems: the childcare allowance account and income-related childcare allowance. They differ in eligibility, duration and calculation; the income-related system in particular requires qualifying employment before the birth.
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.
Official source: oesterreich.gv.at
