Parents Can Claim Sick Leave Without Doctor's Note for School Closure on May 8, 2026

Parents will be entitled to sick leave benefits if schools or kindergartens remain closed on Friday, May 8, 2026, due to decisions by school principals. The Social Insurance Agency announced that parents will not need to visit a pediatrician in such cases, requiring only confirmation from the educational institution to claim the benefits. The announcement addresses a practical concern for working parents whose children may be affected by potential school closures on what appears to be a designated school day. Under Slovakia's social insurance system, parents are typically entitled to sick leave benefits when they must care for ill children, but this usually requires medical documentation from a healthcare provider. The Social Insurance Agency's clarification simplifies the administrative process by allowing school closure documentation to substitute for medical certificates, recognizing that institutional closures are beyond parental control and create legitimate childcare needs that warrant compensation under the country's social protection framework.