Academic staff members of the University of Cologne are eligible for the refinancing of their care costs for activities associated with their employment, necessitating additional care for their children or relatives in need of care.
Refinancing of childcare costs is possible:
Further education and training.
Business trips & conferences (e.g. network meetings, conferences).
Specialist events.
- with own contribution (e.g. organization, welcome greeting, panel discussion, etc.)
- without own contribution: up to three events per year
The care can take place at the place of residence or at the place of business (e.g. accompanying babysitters).
Which criterias apply?
The childcare takes place outside the regular working hours of the employee.
The childcare takes place outside the regular childcare hours.
Childcare costs for children up to the age of 12 are covered.
Refinancing is only possible if care cannot be provided by another parent/legal guardian (e.g. proof must be provided for weekend care).
Care by close relatives (parents, grandparents, etc.) will not be refinanced.
Refinancing of holiday care offers or the backup service is not possible.
Refinancing during parental leave is possible if part-time work is performed during parental leave.
Which costs are covered?
Childcare costs are reimbursed at max. 12 € / hour and max. 72 € / day.
Max. 300 € will be refunded per application or event. A total amount of up to 600 € / year can be refunded.
Any differences between the agreed fee and the maximum amount refunded shall be borne by the employee.
What is the procedure?
Please submit your application for support from the Care Fund and a suitable proof of your absence (business trip permit, conference registration/programme, etc.) before the support (at least 1 week in advance).
Employees of SFB´s, graduate schools or clusters of excellence are also requested to submit the form "Information on Refinancing". IMPORTANT: Even if your institution cannot refinance any costs, you can still apply for funding from the Care Fund.
If your application is approved, you will receive a positive interim reply.
After the childcare has taken place, you submit the proof of care (name, address and signature of the caregiver) and transfer voucher and we will reimburse you for the costs in accordance with the notice of approval.
The documents must be submitted unsolicited within 3 months of the last appointment for care. In the case of refinancing by SFBs, graduate schools or clusters of excellence, the supporting documents must also be submitted by the end of the respective financial year (31 December) at the latest.