Sickness Benefit from Health Insurance

Sickness Benefit from Health Insurance secures the income of expectant and newly delivered mothers in Vienna. Those entitled under insurance law receive a daily sickness benefit before and after childbirth, based on the average earnings of the last months and adjusted for special payments. Under normal circumstances, the benefit period covers eight weeks before the due date, the day of delivery, and eight weeks thereafter – extended to twelve weeks in cases of premature birth, multiple births, or cesarean section. Furthermore, the sickness benefit period is extended if a specialist, labor inspector, or public health officer’s certificate confirms a risk to the mother or child.

Eligible for funding are employees, marginally employed persons with voluntary self-insurance, fully insured freelance contractors, as well as, in certain cases, self-employed tradespeople and female farmers. The prerequisite is the expected birth of a child or corresponding proof in case of health risk. Applications can be submitted continuously, as there is no deadline. The aim of this funding is the maintenance of livelihood and health protection of mothers during the sensitive phase surrounding childbirth. The service is administered by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Section II. This grant funding thus makes an important contribution to social security and supports the reconciliation of family and work.