← Tax Optimization · State Benefits & Leave
Childcare leave vs. the return-to-work bonus — they don't combine
The exact moment you return to work after birth completely changes the amount you receive from the state — worth calculating in advance, not decided on reflex.
What the law says
If you return to work before the baby turns 6 months old, you get the increased return-to-work bonus (1,500 lei/month). If you return after 6 months, you get the reduced bonus (650 lei/month), paid until age 3. You can't receive the childcare allowance and the return-to-work bonus at the same time for the same child — you need to calculate which option brings you a higher total net amount, depending on your previous income and how quickly you want to return to work.
OUG 111/2010, 2026 amounts.
How it applies, in numbers
Illustrative example: a parent with a monthly allowance of 3,500 lei — if they return to work 5 months after birth, they lose the allowance, but receive the increased bonus of 1,500 lei/month, plus the salary from resumed work.
Common mistakes
The common mistake is assuming the two benefits can be combined for the same child — that's not the case. Calculate the total income from each scenario (full allowance vs. early return plus bonus plus salary) before deciding when to return.
