In Austria, parents are entitled to Karenzzeit (parental leave) of up to 24 months per child, shared between both parents. During Karenzzeit, the employment relationship is maintained and the employee is protected from dismissal. Parents receive Kinderbetreuungsgeld (childcare allowance) from the state, which can be claimed as an income-dependent benefit (up to €2,088 per month) or a flat-rate benefit (€436 per month). Both parents can be on Karenzzeit simultaneously for a combined maximum of 12 months, provided the total does not exceed 24 months.

Statutory entitlement

Up to 24 months of Karenzzeit per child, shared between both parents (12+12 months). Kinderbetreuungsgeld: income-dependent variant up to €2,088/month or flat-rate variant at €436/month. Both parents can take leave simultaneously for up to 12 months combined. Employment protection throughout the leave period.

Eligibility

Both parents who live in the same household as the child and care for it personally are entitled to Karenzzeit. There is no minimum employment duration, but the employee must be employed at the time the leave begins. Kinderbetreuungsgeld is available to all parents who meet the residence and cohabitation requirements.

Employer obligations

  • Grant up to 24 months of Karenzzeit per child (shared between parents).
  • Protect the employee from dismissal during Karenzzeit (Kündigungsverbot).
  • Maintain the employment relationship — the employee returns to their previous position or an equivalent role.
  • Allow part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during Karenzzeit in coordination with the employee.
  • Accept Karenzzeit notification at least 2 months before the intended start date (or 1 month for simultaneous Karenzzeit).

Employee rights

  • Right to up to 24 months of parental leave (12+12 shared between parents).
  • Right to Kinderbetreuungsgeld from the state during the leave period.
  • Right to protection from dismissal throughout Karenzzeit.
  • Right to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during Karenzzeit without losing the leave entitlement.
  • Right to return to the same or an equivalent position after Karenzzeit.
  • Right to split the leave into up to three blocks per parent.

Common pitfalls

  • Not giving sufficient notice — Karenzzeit must be declared at least 2 months before the start date, or 1 month for simultaneous leave.
  • Confusing Karenzzeit with Kinderbetreuungsgeld — Karenzzeit is the leave entitlement; Kinderbetreuungsgeld is the financial benefit, and the claimed variants may differ between parents.
  • Exceeding the 12-month simultaneous limit — both parents can be on leave at the same time, but only for a combined maximum of 12 months within the 24-month total.
  • Not accounting for the part-time work limit — working more than 20 hours per week during Karenzzeit may affect Kinderbetreuungsgeld entitlement.

Kinderbetreuungsgeld variants

Parents choose between two main Kinderbetreuungsgeld variants: the income-dependent (einkommensabhängiges) KBG pays up to 80% of the previous net income, capped at €2,088 per month for 12 months, plus 4 months at a reduced rate. The flat-rate (pauschales) KBG pays €436 per month for up to 30 months (extended duration at a lower rate). Both parents can choose different variants.

Simultaneous leave (Partnerkarenz)

Both parents can take Karenzzeit at the same time (Partnerkarenz) for a combined maximum of 12 months within the 24-month total. This means if both parents take leave simultaneously for 8 months, they have 16 months remaining to split between them. Both parents must give their employers at least one month's notice of the intention to take simultaneous leave.

Part-time work during Karenzzeit

Parents can work up to 20 hours per week during Karenzzeit without losing their leave entitlement. This applies to both the income- dependent and flat-rate KBG variants. Working more than the permitted hours may reduce or end the Kinderbetreuungsgeld payment. The employer and employee must agree on the part-time arrangement in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Can the 24 months of Karenzzeit be split?

Yes. Each parent can split their 12 months of Karenzzeit into up to three blocks. The blocks can be taken at different times, but all leave must be used before the child's seventh birthday (or eighth birthday in certain cases).

What happens to annual leave during Karenzzeit?

Annual leave continues to accrue during Karenzzeit. The employer cannot force the employee to take annual leave during Karenzzeit, but the employee may request to use it.

Can self-employed parents claim Kinderbetreuungsgeld?

Yes. Self-employed parents who meet the contribution requirements under the ASVG can claim Kinderbetreuungsgeld, though they are not entitled to Karenzzeit from an employer.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.