As autumn arrives, the spread of viruses becomes more common, leading to an increase in viral infections, particularly among children. With sick children at home, many parents need to notify their workplaces, but it’s essential to know that support can be requested from Social Security: the Subsidy for Assistance to a Child.
This is a “monetary support granted to individuals who miss work to provide urgent and necessary assistance to children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren), in the event of illness or accident,” as stated by Social Security.
How to apply, step by step
First, to apply for the Subsidy for Assistance to a Child, a medical certificate is required. However, it is important to note: if the doctor issues the Certificate of Incapacity for Work (CIT), no further action is needed, as the document is automatically communicated to Social Security:
“If the Medical Certification is issued by competent services of public, private, or social healthcare providers recognized by the Ministry of Health, for Social Security, through the proper form (Certificate of Incapacity for Work (CIT)), it is not necessary to fill out this form,” reads an informational document from Social Security on the subject.
The public body also explains that “CITs are electronically sent by health services to Social Security, except in duly proven exceptional cases.”
If you do not have a CIT, but only a certificate for leave, follow these steps on Social Security:
- Visit the Social Security website, here, and log in;
- Click on ‘family‘ at the top;
- Then, click on ‘Support to compensate for the increase in expenses after the birth of your child‘;
- Scroll down the page and click on ‘Subsidy for Assistance to a Child‘;
- Then click on ‘continue to actions‘;
- Select ‘consult and request subsidies related to parenting‘ and then ‘register request‘;
- Scroll down and select the option ‘Subsidy for Assistance to a Child‘ again;
- After that, you should ‘accept and authorize‘ and begin the registration of the request, following the steps required by Social Security.
The Subsidy for Assistance to a Child is financial support for those who miss work to care for sick or injured children, including adult children with disabilities or chronic illnesses, according to Social Security.
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Who is eligible for the Subsidy for Assistance to a Child?
- Employees who contribute to Social Security;
- Self-employed workers who contribute to Social Security;
- Individuals registered in the voluntary social insurance scheme;
- Maritime workers and national ship watchers on foreign company ships;
- Individuals receiving a scholarship for scientific research.
- Workers in pre-retirement situations with reduced working hours;
- Individuals receiving Disability Pension, Old Age Pension, or Survivor Pension who are working and contributing to Social Security.
According to Social Security, “Foster Families are entitled to the Subsidy for Assistance to a Child under the same rules that apply to individuals who miss work to provide urgent and necessary care to children (biological, adopted, or of their spouse/partner) in case of illness or accident.”
What is the duration and amount to receive?
“The amount and duration are variable. Check the practical guide for more information,” advises Social Security.
The document explains that the “daily amount received from the Subsidy for Assistance to a Child corresponds to a percentage of 100% of the net reference salary, with the amount not being less than 65% of the reference salary (RR).
Furthermore: “If you reside in autonomous regions, the amount received increases by 2%; for calculating the net reference value, deductions for income tax (IRS) and applicable Social Security contribution rates are subtracted from the total gross value (before deductions).”
It should also be noted that “you can request compensatory payments for holiday and Christmas bonuses; for more information, consult the practical guide on Compensatory Payments for holiday, Christmas, or similar bonuses.”
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