How long is parental leave in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, after maternity leave, working mothers or fathers may take parental leave until the child's 3rd birthday. If the child has serious long-term health problems, parental leave can be extended until the child reaches age 6.

What are the eligibility rules for parental leave in Slovakia?

Parental leave in Slovakia is granted to parents who have worked for at least 270 days during the two years prior to the arrival of the child. It is important to note that same-sex couples are not eligible for this leave.

How is parental leave payment calculated in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, parental leave payment is regulated by law. Both parents are eligible to take parental leave; however, only one parent is compensated during this period.

What is the process for applying for paternity leave in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, the process for applying for paternity leave involves several key steps that the employee must take. The employer cannot apply on behalf of the employee.

Employee’s Responsibility:

• The employee must personally request paternity leave by submitting a written notice to the employer. This notice should include:
• The start date and duration of the paternity leave.
• Confirmation of the child’s birth, such as a copy of the birth certificate if needed.
• The request should generally be made at least a few days in advance, unless there is an urgent situation.

Obtaining the Application Form:

• The employee must use the form titled "Application for maternity benefits by another insured person," available on the Social Insurance Institution's website or at their branches.

Eligibility Conditions for Maternity Benefits:

• The father is entitled to maternity benefits if he fulfills the following conditions:
• He takes care of the child during the period of sickness insurance or within a 7-day protection period after its termination.
• He has been insured for sickness for at least 270 days in the last 2 years before the date of application.
• He does not have income from an employment relationship from which maternity benefits are paid.
• He does not have debts or arrears of insurance premiums if compulsorily or voluntarily insured for sickness.
• He actually cares for the child.
• The mother is not receiving maternity or parental allowance for the same child.

Employer’s Responsibility:

• The employer must approve the leave based on the employee’s request and update the Employment Register (TÖR) accordingly.
• The employer must adjust payroll, as no salary is paid during paternity leave; instead, the employee receives a paternity benefit from Social Insurance.
• The employer cannot submit a benefit application to the Social Insurance Agency on behalf of the employee; the employee must apply for the paternity benefit themselves.

What are the eligibility rules for maternity leave in Slovakia?

To be eligible for maternity leave in Slovakia, an employee must meet the following criteria:

• Service Requirement: The employee must have completed at least 60 days of service with the employer.
• Medical Certification: A medical certificate from a doctor confirming the pregnancy and expected due date is required.

How is maternity leave payment calculated in Slovakia?

In Slovakia, employers are not required to pay employees who are on maternity leave. However, supported employees may be entitled to maternity pay from the Social Insurance Agency.

What is the process for applying for maternity leave in Slovakia?

To apply for maternity leave in Slovakia, the following steps must be followed:

• The employee must provide the employer with at least 1 month's notice before taking maternity leave.
• A woman is allowed to take maternity leave for a maximum of 8 weeks, but typically 6 weeks, before the expected date of childbirth as determined by her doctor.
• Maternity pay is provided by the Social Insurance Institution based on an "Application for maternity pay." This application form is issued by a gynecologist between 8 and 6 weeks before the anticipated childbirth date and cannot be downloaded or printed out.
• The employer must also certify the application form.
• The completed application form with all required confirmations must be submitted to the appropriate Social Insurance branch, which is determined by:

- The employer's registered office (for employees),

- The place of residence of the last employer (for employees in the protection period),

- The employee's place of residence (for self-employed individuals or those voluntarily insured for sickness).

How long is the paternity leave in Slovakia?

Fathers in Slovakia are eligible for 14 paid days of paternity leave within the first 6 months of their child's birth. Single fathers are eligible for paternity leave up to 31 weeks. If the mother isn’t claiming maternity benefits, the father can start his 28-week paternity leave when the child reaches 6 weeks old, provided he has the mother’s consent.

What are the eligibility rules for paternity leave in Slovakia?

To be eligible for paternity leave in Slovakia, the father must be registered in the child's birth certificate. There is no requirement for the parents to be married.

What is the process for applying for parental leave in Slovakia?

After maternity or paternity leave, an employee in Slovakia must apply for parental leave. The application can be submitted through several methods:

• In-person: Deliver the application at the relevant Labour, Social Affairs, and Family Office according to the employee's permanent residence. The form can be found in the office or printed and filled out at home.
• By post: Send the application to the address of the relevant Labour, Social Affairs and Family Office.
• By e-mail: Submit the application to the e-mail address of the relevant Labour, Social Affairs and Family Office.
• Electronically: Use the slovensko.sk portal. An electronic signature is required for this method.

A copy of the child's birth certificate must be attached to the application. The relevant office may request additional necessary data for the parental allowance claim procedure.

The employee can also apply for parental allowance retroactively, up to a maximum of 6 months. Additionally, the employee must apply for parental leave from their employer at least 1 month before it starts. This application must be made in writing, which can include sending an email to the employer.