Working parents are often completely overwhelmed in the Corona crisis. Experts sound the alarm.
- The corona crisis quickly becomes a phase of suffering for workers with children.
- According to a survey, single parents are under severe pressure anyway.
- The situation will be exacerbated by the Corona crisis, experts warn.
Working parents under pressure because of Corona
For parents who have to work and currently have no childcare , the corona crisis * means one thing above all: stress. Even without a corona, single parents are under significantly more stress than other parents, according to a Forsa survey by the Commercial Health Insurance Fund (KKH). Almost every second single parent (46 percent) is under constant pressure.
Now in the corona crisis, the experts warn, the problem is likely to get worse - because where to go with the children when daycare centers and schools are closed * and you have to work yourself? According to a statement, the health insurance company emphasizes: "The biggest challenge for parents anyway, namely to get families, household and work under one roof, will now come to a head in the Corona crisis."
Survey: Single parents want financial help
According to the survey, single mothers and fathers in particular want additional financial help (71 percent), more recognition from employers and more support in raising children from their ex-partner or their relatives (39 percent). "In Corona times, however, this should be difficult," the forecast says.
Nevertheless, the KKH advises parents to keep calm and to discuss the situation with the employer. Many companies have already made individual arrangements for employees who have to look after their children because of daycare and school closings. The fact is: "If the contract does not rule it out, the employer must continue to pay the salary for a few days in such cases. But, according to the KKH:" If childcare facilities remain closed for longer, parents are no longer entitled to a paid leave. "
Also read: Short-time work allowance for coronavirus - This now applies to workers .
Tip: Talk to employer about reducing overtime
Alternatively, mothers and fathers could take vacation at short notice , the KKH describes the legal situation - "paid or unpaid in agreement with the employer - or, for example, ensuring that their children are looked after by working overtime after the first few days".
In some industries, parents could also agree flexible working hours , the tip. Or they are currently working in the home office * - which, according to parents, is often far from easy if the children want to be employed at home at the same time.
The Federal Cabinet also decided on a new aid measure for parents who remain at home because of the daycare and school closings in the wake of the Corona crisis: The state now wants to pay compensation if families lose income as a result. The regulation is part of a large "social protection package".
New help for parents decided
Kindergartens and schools are closed, but the children need care: parents face the corona crisis with special challenges. If part of the income breaks down because there is not so much time left for work, fathers and mothers should benefit from longer wages in the future. So far, you have only been entitled to this for a few days in these cases.
According to the new regulations, the state now continues to pay 67 percent of wages for an initial period of six weeks if parents have to look after children under the age of 12 because of closed daycare centers and schools at home. The sum is capped, however, there is a maximum of 2,016 euros per month. And: there is no entitlement if the school is closed anyway. To get the money, you turn to your employer - who then gets the money back from the responsible federal state.
Child supplement support
In addition, parents who are currently struggling with lower income should be able to obtain the child supplement more easily. This can be up to 185 euros per child per month and depends on income - so far the last six months have been taken into account here. In future, only income from last month should be used, since the corona crisis could have caused enormous losses in the short term. The family allowance pays the child supplement. You can apply for it online at the Federal Employment Agency. Information and help is available at www.kinderzuschlag.de.
Child sickness benefit for single parents up to 20 days
The KKH also advises: "If a child actually gets sick, working parents can get free work for up to ten days - single mothers and fathers each for up to 20 days." For this, they receive child sickness benefit * from the statutory health insurers, provided the child is under the age of twelve and the doctor certifies an illness and the necessary care.
And what to do when the child is older? There is no child sickness benefit for children over the age of twelve, the spokesman for KKH-Patric Stamm asked on request. Alternative solutions would have to be found here, the spokesman said. He recommends approaching the employer and, for example, finding an agreement on how working hours can be divided more flexibly. "Here it is important to find ways together between employer and employee to survive the crisis."
Also interesting : Because of the coronavirus epidemic - sick leave possible over the phone.
Do you want to stay up to date with the latest career news? Then follow our industry page on the Xing career portal.
Salary: Ten jobs where you earn a lot - without being a boss
To the photo gallery
ahu
* merkur.de is part of the nationwide central Ippen editorial network