Staying home with a sick child? Ask for caregiver's allowance
In the Czech Republic, employees who cannot work because they need to take care of a sick child or another dependent family member are entitled to a caregiver’s allowance, known as OČR (or ošetřovné). This benefit is part of the Czech social security network and helps families balance work and care responsibilities without losing all of their income.
Who is eligible?
OČR is most often used by parents when their child under the age of 10 falls ill and requires home care.
But it applies in the case of an older child, too, or when another close family member needs personal assistance due to illness. The allowance is intended for short-term situations when you have to step away from work temporarily.
How much money is paid?
The allowance is calculated as 60% of your reduced daily wage base.
This base is calculated from your average gross income over the last 12 months. You can use, for example, this online calculator to get the idea of your daily allowance. The benefit is paid by the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ), not the employer.
How long does it last?
Standard entitlement is up to 9 calendar days per sickness/case. For single parents, it’s 16 days. You can draw this benefit repeatedly. There is no limit to how many times a year you can apply.
Though you can’t apply every 9 days. If care is needed for longer, other arrangements must be made, since OČR is designed as a short-term support measure. (There’s a long-term caregiver’s allowance for up to 90 days – search for dlouhodobé ošetřovné).
How to apply?
The process begins at the doctor’s office.
The doctor issues a special form confirming the need for home care and give you a specific form number which you will submit to your employer, who forwards it to the ČSSZ. After processing, the allowance is paid directly to your bank account.
Not employed?
Are you a freelancer (OSVČ) or working on a part-time contract (DPČ)? You’re entitled to a caregiver’s allowance too, but only
- If you opted in to pay sickness voluntary insurance besides your social insurance payments (dobrovolné nemocenské pojištění), and
- You’ve been paying these insurance instalments for at least 3 months.
Then, you’re entitled to the standard 9 (or 16 days) of allowance the same way employees are.
Why is OČR important?
OČR plays a key role in the Czech social system by ensuring that you do not have to choose between caring for your loved ones and maintaining young financial stability. It reflects the state’s efforts to support family life and protect workers in unexpected health-related situations.
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