Parenting and coronavirus: extra parental leave for parents in Poland

As a way of preventing the spread of the new COVID-19 coronavirus in the country, all Polish schools, kindergartens, nurseries and public facilities such as museums, cinemas and theatres will remain closed until at least 26 March. Polish citizens have been advised to work from home whenever possible and avoid crowded public spaces and gatherings.

The measures taken by the Polish government mean those parents who are unable to arrange late-notice childcare will need more time off work to stay at home with their children. Fortunately, thanks to a special act passed by the Polish Parliament earlier this month, parents who are taking care of children under eight years old are now entitled to an additional parental leave due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Additional parental leave pay - who can get it?

Employees covered by health insurance and granted 14 days of parental leave in order to take care of a child/children under eight years old. Note that while parental leave can be split between parents, the payment can be claimed by only one of them.

How much pay will I receive?

You are entitled to parental leave pay in the amount of 80% of your salary for all 14 days of your leave, including non-working days (i.e. weekends or holidays).

The extra days off will be added on top of your statutory paid parental leave.

How do I apply for it?

You need to submit a special declaration form to your employer (an example can be found on the website of the Polish Social Insurance Institution - ZUS). If you have a business of your own, submit your declaration directly to ZUS. You can send it electronically using your PUE ZUS profile.

Update: Polish schools and kindergartens will remain closed until Easter. Therefore parents will be entitled to another 14 days of paid parental leave (28 days in total).

For more recommendations and information on coronavirus in Poland, please visit the official website of the Polish government.