AK supports families with a childcare bonus and demands free childcare from the age of two

2023-09-04 06:45:09

Linz – Child care and education is still not free in Upper Austria. The negative consequences are many and varied: the family accounts are additionally burdened and women often cannot decide for themselves how many hours they work. AK President Andreas Stangl calls for the immediate abolition of afternoon fees in kindergarten and a massive expansion of child education and childcare facilities. In order to relieve families quickly, the Chamber of Labor pays out a one-off AK care bonus of 150 euros for its members.

„With the AK care bonus, we want to set an example and quickly relieve families. Only with a legal entitlement to free, year-round, all-day childcare can we ensure that women have real freedom of choice, that all children have the same educational opportunities and that families are not additionally burdened“, so AK-President Andreas Stangl about the new direct benefit of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor for its members.

In addition to the immediate abolition of afternoon fees in kindergarten, massive investments are needed in the expansion of child education and childcare facilities. “When it comes to children’s education, Upper Austria paints a disastrous picture. Just one example: In Upper Austria, 58 percent of the crèches are open less than eight hours a day, in the other federal states (excluding Vienna) the figure is 31 percent“, said AK President Stangl. Balancing work and family is often impossible. Those responsible in politics must finally act so that Upper Austria does not fall further behind and the families are left behind.

Apply for the AK care bonus online now

The AK childcare bonus of a one-off amount of 150 euros can be applied for if at least one parent is a member of AK Upper Austria and paid childcare is used in the crèche, in kindergarten or with childminders. Proof of the costs, an Austrian family allowance confirmation and a confirmation of a visit from the care facility are required for the application. The application can be submitted online at ooe.arbeiterkammer.at/betreuungsbonus be asked. All conditions and information can be found there. Applications can be submitted from September 4, 2023 to June 30, 2024 for childcare costs incurred during this period. If you have any questions, AK employees are available at care bonus@akooe.at or +43 (0)50 6906-1615 available.