The Labor Code provides that an employee raising a child up to 14 years old, who is studying according to a preschool, primary, or basic education program, is granted at least half a working day off on the first day of the school year.
Average wages are paid for this time.
However, there is a condition that the half-day off applies only to those who are not entitled to additional rest days, known as mom days and dad days.
“The latter belong to everyone raising a child up to 12 years old or a child with a disability up to 18 years old,” explained E. Kiznė.
Therefore, according to her, the free half-day on September 1 remains for a very narrow circle: “For parents whose youngest child is 12 or 13 years old. Parents of first graders do not get it not because they are forgotten, but because they are already entitled to mom days and dad days.”
Having one child up to 12 years old entitles one mom day or dad day per month.
Having two children up to 12 years old or a child with a disability up to 18 years old – also one.
Having three or more children up to 12 years old or two children up to 12 years old when one or both have a disability – two mom days or dad days per month.
E. Kiznė reminds that from January 1, 2027, additional rest days will depend on raising children up to 14 years old, not as now – up to 12.
At the same time, the provision regarding the free half-day on the first day of the school year is removed from the Labor Code.
“September 1, 2026, is the last time this half-day can still be used. From 2027, parents of 12 and 13-year-old children will receive an additional rest day at intervals set by law instead of one half-day per year, and during this school year celebration, they will have to use exactly the additional rest day – mom day or dad day,” explained E. Kiznė.
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