Legal bases & legislation
The loss of earnings compensation (EO) partially compensates for the loss of earnings arising from the performance of military service, civil protection or civilian service. The EO also partially compensates for the loss of earnings arising from maternity and paternity leave as well as for childcare leave for parents of seriously ill or injured children. From 1st of January 2023, employees who are adopting a child under the age of four are also entitled to claim compensation for the loss of earnings arising from adoption leave.
The fund for loss of earned income (EO) for those serving in the army, or carrying out civilian service and protection service, provides compensation for loss of earnings to cover the period in which the person is carrying out such service.
The maternity insurance (maternity allowance) entered into force on 1 July 2005.
The bill for paid paternity leave came into force on 1 January 2021. This means that fathers will now be able to take two weeks’ paid leave within six months of the birth of their child. As with maternity leave, paternity leave will be funded via the earnings compensation scheme (EO).
Further information is available in french, german and italian.
