Carer’s allowance and self-isolation payment relaunched

Employees who care for children under the age of 10 will be entitled to a carer’s allowance for the duration of any school closure or quarantine ordered for the child. Carer’s allowances should also be provided to employees caring for disabled persons and children with special educational needs, even over the age of 10. Persons working under agreements outside the employment relationship will also be entitled to the allowance, provided they have been covered by sickness insurance for at least the 3 preceeding months.

According to the proposal, the carer’s allowance shall amount to 80% of the daily assessment base, but at least CZK 400 per day, and should be paid out from 1 November 2021 to 28 February 2022.

Employees who themselves have been ordered into quarantine will also be entitled to an allowance added to their wage compensation: the government proposes to reintroduce the self-isolation allowance. Employees will receive CZK 370 per calendar day, but only for the first 14 days of quarantine. If the amount of wage compensation and the self-isolation payment together exceed 90% of the employee's average earnings, the allowance will be reduced. Employers will be able to deduct the amount paid from social security premiums and state employment policy contributions. The allowance will be paid in respect of quarantines ordered after 31 October 2021, but the quarantine must be still in force on the day the law comes into effect. The law is planned to become effective on the date of its promulgation. The allowance is to be paid until 30 June 2022 at the latest.

In view of the urgency, both bills are being discussed on a fast-track basis. The chamber of deputies has already approved them and the senate is expected to discuss them at its session on 15 December 2021.