Can I take leave to care for a sick child?
Yes: care allowance is due for caring for a sick child. If you have to care for a sick child, you're entitled to care allowance from ZUS. For a sick child up to 14 the limit is 60 days per calendar year (a combined limit for both parents). The allowance is 80% of the assessment basis (roughly: 80% of average pay over the last 12 months) and is paid for each day of care, including statutory days off. The condition is being covered by sickness insurance and there being no other household member who can provide care. To get the allowance you file the Z-15A application and a medical certificate for the child. Separate limits apply to caring for a healthy child up to 8 and for other sick family members.
📋 The rules
- Care allowance from ZUS for caring for a sick child
- Child up to 14: up to 60 days a year (combined for parents)
- Amount: 80% of the basis, for each day of care
- Condition: sickness insurance and no other carer
- Application Z-15A + medical certificate for the child
🔓 Exceptions
- Care for a healthy child up to 8 (e.g. nursery closure): separate days
- Care for another sick family member: up to 14 days a year
- Extra days for parents of seriously/chronically ill children (special rules)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Care allowance is not due if the household has another member who can provide care (except care for a child up to 2). Using care leave against its purpose (e.g. taking up work) risks loss of the allowance and an obligation to repay it; ZUS can run a check. To get the benefit: obtain a medical certificate for the child (e-ZLA), file the Z-15A application with your employer or ZUS, make sure you actually provide care during the allowance, and mind the 60-day limit a year. Also check the separate limits for caring for a healthy child or another sick family member.
📎 Official sources
- ZUS · Care allowance →
- ISAP · Act on cash benefits from sickness insurance →
- Gov.pl · Care allowance →
❓ Frequently asked
How many days of care allowance are due for a sick child?
For caring for a sick child up to 14, up to 60 days per calendar year. It's a combined limit for both parents — regardless of the number of children. Separate, shorter limits apply for caring for another sick family member or a healthy child up to 8.
How much is care allowance?
80% of the assessment basis, i.e. roughly 80% of average monthly pay over the last 12 months. The allowance is paid for each day of care, including statutory days off. ZUS pays the benefit on the basis of the application.
What conditions must I meet?
You must be covered by sickness insurance (e.g. from an employment contract) and actually provide care for the sick child. The allowance isn't due where the household has another member who can provide care — except for caring for a child up to 2.
How do I apply for care allowance?
You need a medical certificate for the child (e-ZLA) and the Z-15A application, filed with your employer (the contributions payer) or directly with ZUS. On that basis ZUS or the payer determines entitlement and the amount and pays the benefit.
Will I lose the allowance if I work during the care?
Yes. Using care leave against its purpose, for example taking up gainful work, risks losing the allowance for the whole period and an obligation to repay it. ZUS can run a check, so during the allowance you must actually provide care for the child.
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