Many of the changes in the field of social security that have taken place with effect from 1 January 2022 include, in particular, adjustments to the length of the so-called paternity allowance and foster carers' remuneration. After years of being the target of criticism, the Czech Republic has finally decided to implement the content of the EU Directive on reconciliation of family and working life and has extended the period of post-natal paternity care benefit to 14 days from the previous 7 days. All fathers registered on the child's birth certificate, regardless of the existence of a marriage, are entitled to this benefit if they are covered by sickness insurance. In the case of employees, the existence of an employment relationship is therefore a prerequisite; in the case of self-employed persons, the submission of a voluntary application for sickness insurance is a prerequisite. Fathers may use the benefit within six weeks of the birth of the child.
An important change in the area of foster care is the separation of remuneration arrangements for mediated (i.e. "professional") and non-mediated foster carers, who are family members. Whereas until now the remuneration for both groups of foster carers was treated identically, namely the so-called foster carer's remuneration, a so-called foster care allowance for non-mediated foster carers is now being introduced. However, these foster carers (grandparents etc.) will be financially disadvantaged by the new fostering allowance, which has been met with resentment by those affected by the changes. On the other hand, the remuneration of the intermediate foster carer will now be based on the minimum wage and in many cases this will result in a significant increase.