Before the birth

Do you have an unfulfilled desire to have children? Couples can receive financial support for fertility treatment.

If a termination of pregnancy is necessary, you can apply to your statutory health insurance provider to have the costs covered under certain conditions.

If a doctor has determined that you are unable to conceive naturally and artificial insemination is an appropriate option, statutory health insurance plans will cover a portion of the costs under certain conditions.

If you are unable to manage your household due to pregnancy or childbirth, you may be eligible for household assistance under certain conditions. You can apply for this assistance through your statutory health insurance provider.

As an expectant mother, you can apply for maternity benefits from the Federal Social Security Office (BAS) for the periods of protection before and after childbirth, as well as for the day of childbirth. To do so, you must meet certain requirements.

If you look after your child after the birth, the parental allowance compensates for part of the loss of income.

If you become a mother, you may be eligible for maternity benefits. You are also entitled to maternity benefits following a miscarriage after the 13th week of pregnancy, provided that you take maternity leave.

Relocation, pregnancy, birth: if you lack the money for certain situations in your life, you can apply for one-off benefits.

If you wish to make a declaration acknowledging paternity of a child and a declaration of consent by the mother, this can be publicly notarized at any registry office, youth welfare office or notary's office.

If you as parents are not married to each other at the time of your child's birth, you can obtain joint custody by both submitting declarations of custody.

If you wish to make a declaration recognizing the maternity of your child, insofar as this is required by your home law or the law of the country in which the child has its habitual residence.

Early help offers various services for families with children from 0 to 3 years of age. The staff at your regional coordination office are available to answer your questions and help you with any challenges you are currently facing.

If you receive social assistance or basic income support and do not have adequate health insurance, you may be entitled to health treatment benefits.

Here you will find information on your rights and obligations regarding birth, child maintenance obligations in cross-border family situations, as well as information on surrogacy and adoption.