Child care benefit payment period was reduced but parents
enjoy the same level of protection
A new child care benefit (gyermekgondozási segély
– GYES) is available to parents of babies who were born
after 30 April 2010. Under the new measures, the maximum child care
benefit payment period has been reduced to two years, instead of
three, from the child's birth. In addition, the minimum
eligibility period of employment for child care benefit entitlement
was increased from 180 days to 365 days before the child's
birth.
Termination of employment on notice is, however, still
prohibited for a maximum period of three years from the child's
birth. Therefore, a parent who returns to work from unpaid leave
because he or she does not qualify for childcare benefit after two
years is automatically protected from termination of employment for
a further year.
