PhD Handbook

20 Further health support for internationals There is an institution called “Unabhängige Patienten Bera- tung” (UPD) that gives advice on most aspects of Germany‘s health system. From a fixed-line telephone, you can call them free of charge. They speak German, Turkish and Russian. 4.4 FAMILY SUPPORT The Helmholtz Association also strongly supports the wish of its employees to manage work and family at the same time. At every Helmholtz center there is a special position called Equal Opportunity Commissioner. It is their job to help you with family planning, career decisions. Every institute offers individual support – so don’t hesitate to ask. Childcare Childcare is provided by the state for every child from the age of one year onwards. Before that daycare centers (“Kinder- krippe”) or day-nannies take children from 8 weeks on (maternity protection ends after the 8th week). After the age of 3 the so called “Kindergarten” starts and although there should be enough spots available for every child, it is some- times hard to find a place that suits you and your child. It is your responsibility to organize a spot for your child and it makes sense to start early. In some federal states in Germany childcare is free of charge. In all others you pay a monthly fixed rate or a rate calculated as percentage of your (and your partners) income. Note: Some Helmholtz centers have kindergartens or daycare facilities. Ask at your institute for availability at your work- place. Medical services for children covered by health insurance • Doctor’s appointments and health checks (some screenings cost additional fees) • Support and supervision by a midwife - before and after childbirth • Childbirth - screening/check-ups (so called U-Screenings from U1 to U11), to ensure the healthy and age-appropriate development of the child - Children are insured via family insurance from their parents and do not cost additional fees Note: Please check which services are covered, when you are privately insured. Pregnancy and Maternity protection law In Germany the “Mutterschutzgesetz” (maternity protection law) ensures the protection of the mother and child from the start. The booklet “Leitfaden zum Mutterschutz” (guideline for maternity protection) (www.bmfsfj.de/BMFSFJ/Service/ publikationen,did=3156.html) gives broad information and explains the rights of an expectant mother in detail. Although it is wise to take action as soon as possible concer- ning your safety, especially if you work in the laboratory, it is up to you whom you inform that you are pregnant. There is no law in Germany that tells you when you have to inform your employer about your pregnancy. It is, however, suggested to tell as soon as possible (e.g. after the third month) because only then the “Mutterschutzgesetz” applies to you. Maternity benefit and “Elterngeld” In Germany maternity protection starts 6 weeks prior to the calculated birthdate of the child and extends 8 weeks after the actual birth date. During this time you will receive JUN HELMHOLTZ JUNIORS l 4 BEYOND THE PHD - SOCIAL SECURITY AND DUTIES

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