FAQs on balancing work and family
Answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about balancing studying, work and family commitments are given below:
Do I have to report my pregnancy?
If you are a student, please report your pregnancy to L 3, Susanne Kramarenkoff: ibz-mutterschutz@fau.de or phone + 49 9131/85-23733 (cellphone: + 49 174/6105615). FAU is obliged to report your pregnancy to the Supervisory Authority for Occupational Safety. Further details: Maternity Protection Act for students
How do I apply for parental leave?
Parental leave must be applied for in writing at least seven weeks before it begins. You should submit the form for applying for parental leave “Anmeldung der Elternzeit” (for employees: P1002; for public servants: P1104). As proof of the child’s date of birth, we require a copy of the child’s birth certificate or confirmation of birth for child benefit. You can submit it together with your application, if you are applying after the child is born or submit it after the child is born if you are applying beforehand. All we require with your initial application is proof that you are actually expecting or have had a child (not all the stated types of proof are required at this stage). When applying for parental leave, you must state the exact dates you would like to take parental leave within a period of 2 years. Please remember to transfer any months you do not take to a later date by marking the application form accordingly.
Parental leave taken after the child’s third birthday must be applied for 13 weeks in advance. Your manager must acknowledge your application for parental leave by signing the form. The signed form is then processed by the person responsible for you in the human resources department. After it is processed, the mother/father/grandmother/grandfather receives a letter confirming the parental leave. If parental leave is split into three phases, the employer is entitled to refuse the third phase on the basis of urgent work-related reasons.
How do I apply for child benefit (Kindergeld)?
Family benefits office (responsible for Erlangen and Nuremberg): Familienkasse Bayern Nord, Solgerstraße 1 in 90429 Nürnberg, Phone: +49 800 4555530.
How do I apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld)?
How do I apply for an extension to my contract due to pregnancy and/or parental leave?
If you are entitled to an extension to your contract pursuant to the WissZeitVG, please apply to the human resources department in good time. The application form is available here. (Application for extending employment for periods of time when taking parental leave and/or periods of time subject to a prohibition of employment (P1162) (last updated: October 5, 2022))
How do I apply for a leave of absence due to pregnancy or for childcare purposes?
Can my Chair employ a replacement to provide cover for my maternity and parental leave?
The application should include an explanation of why the cover is required and information on the type, scope and exact timeframe of the required cover.
How do I apply for caregiver leave?
In an acute situation, a leave of absence of up to ten days can be taken in order to arrange the required care. A doctor’s certificate is sufficient proof. For the ten days caregiver leave you receive payments replacing your wage, similar to when you take time off to care for children who are ill. You need to apply to the Pflegekasse (nursing care insurance fund) of the person requiring care. Please check the application procedure with the relevant insurance fund. Further information is available (in German) at www.wege-zur-pflege.de and www.pflege.de.
You can apply for time off work or a reduction in working hours for a period of up to six months to care for close relatives yourself. You are required to give ten days notice, and submit a certificate from the nursing insurance fund of the Medical Service of the German health insurance companies.
It is also possible to take leave of absence to care for underage relatives requiring care.
You are entitled to accompany close relatives in palliative care in the final weeks of their life.
If necessary, you can apply for an interest-free loan from the Federal Office for Family Affairs (Bundesamt für Familie). Please contact the person responsible for you in the human resources department in every case.
How can I find a daycare place for my child?
How can I find a kindergarten place for my child?
For places in other facilities, please check the websites for Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg or your local town directly. Please note that kindergarten places are generally allocated according to catchment area, in other words you only have a chance of being accepted if you live in the vicinity of the childcare facilities.
We advise getting your name on the waiting list for a kindergarten place at least one year in advance, as the situation regarding childcare is under a lot of pressure in the Metropolitan region.