Reimbursement of care expenses in connection with further training and work related trips in accordance with Section 10 of the Federal Equal Opportunities Act (BGleiG)

In line with the purpose of being a family-friendly university, TU Darmstadt would like to utilise the flexibility to reimburse childcare costs in connection with further training and work-related trips in the interests of its employees.

Conditions for reimbursement (all must be met):

  • Necessary work-related trip (e.g. important conference, field research),
  • No other person with legal custody in the immediate vicinity is available at the place of residence,
  • Opting for the least cost-intensive care option,
  • The recommendations of the BMBFSFJ (opens in new tab) must be adhered to.

It is important to note that this is a discretionary decision and there is no universal right to reimbursement.

Reimbursements for childcare costs are covered under §3 No. 34a EStG. Employees have an annual tax-free allowance of €600. Any benefits exceeding this amount are subject to income tax.

  • Travelling expenses of a caregiver to the place of residence of the person to be cared for, if the care provided is free of charge,
  • or travelling expenses of the person to be cared for to the place of the work-related trip,
  • or travel expenses of the caregiver and the person to be cared for to the place of the work-related trip if the care provided is free of charge,
  • or fees for care at the place of the work-related trip.
  • Mutual agreement between employee and supervisor before the start of the work-related trip
  • Non-formal confirmation by both parties that the work-related trip is necessary and the additional costs are unavoidable and that the least cost-intensive means has been chosen. The supervisor also confirms that the necessary funds are available and that the costs can be covered.
  • Submitting and realising the work-related trip with a follow-up travel expense report
  • Reimbursement of family-related additional costs/care costs as a non-cash payment (e.g. in DFG projects from equal opportunities funds)