From next year, the so-called three laws supporting childcare will be amended and implemented. As a result, the current maximum monthly childcare leave benefit of 1.5 million won will increase to a maximum of 2.5 million won per month, and the subsidy for hiring replacement workers for childcare leave will be expanded. In addition, the maximum length of childcare leave will be extended to 1 year and 6 months, and spousal paternity leave will be extended from the current 5 days to up to 20 days.
The Ministry of Employment and Labor summarized and announced questions that potential recipients may have about the system changes due to the revision of the three childcare support laws, including the Act on Equal Employment for Both Sexes, the Employment Insurance Act, and the Labor Standards Act, starting next year.
The following are answers to the questions most frequently asked by the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Q. What is the revamped childcare support system and when will it be implemented?
A. From Jan. 1, childcare leave benefits will be increased, and post-payment systems will be abolished. In addition, when maternity leave is applied for, childcare leave will be automatically applied. The standard amount for reduced working hours during the childcare period will also rise.
From Feb. 23, the childcare leave period will be extended, and the period and subsidy for spousal paternity leave will also be expanded. The reduced working hours during pregnancy and the postnatal leave period in the case of premature birth will also be extended.
Q. Will the eligible age for children for childcare leave also be expanded?
A. No. Childcare leave can still be used for children up to 8 years old (2nd grade) without changes.
Q. If the childcare leave benefits increase, will it apply to those already on childcare leave?
A. Yes. Even for those who started childcare leave before the implementation date of the system reform on Jan. 1 next year, the increased benefits will apply. For example, if the childcare leave period is from Nov. this year to May next year, 1.5 million won per month will be provided for Nov. and Dec. this year under the current system, and 2.5 million won per month will be provided from Jan. next year. Following this, 2 million won per month from Feb. to Apr., and 1.6 million won from May onward. However, the benefits increase applies only to the usage period after this year.
Q. This year, both parents used 6 months of childcare leave for a child under 18 months old. Can they receive the increased benefit (2.5 million won) from the 7th month if they use childcare leave again next year?
A. No, they cannot. If both parents have used childcare leave, the special benefits are paid for up to 6 months. From the 7th month, benefits are provided with a cap of 1.6 million won per month.
Q. Can workers who have already used all their childcare leave apply for the childcare leave extension?
A. Yes, if both parents have used childcare leave for more than 3 months, or if it applies to single parents or parents of children with severe disabilities, they can apply.
Q. If a mother has used all 1 year of childcare leave and the father uses an additional 3 months, will the mother's childcare leave be extended by 6 months?
A. Yes, regardless of when the 3 months of childcare leave were used, if both parents have used it for more than 3 months, it will be extended by 6 months. However, the extended 6 months can only be used after Feb. 23 next year.
Q. If the child surpasses the age of 8 while on childcare leave, can they use an additional 6 months of childcare leave in this condition?
A. Since the child's age is assessed based on the start date of the childcare leave, the leave can be extended for an additional 6 months. However, once the current childcare leave period ends, as the child's age surpasses 8, they cannot newly use the additional 6 months.