The Infection Protection Act (IfSG) protects the population in Germany. It also offers financial compensation for people who are affected by the protective measures.

You can receive compensation if you have a loss of earnings as a result of quarantine or a ban on work. The ban on work or quarantine must be ordered by the public health department or another competent authority.

You can also receive compensation if you are unable to work due to the closure of schools, childcare facilities (e.g. daycare centers) or a quarantine ordered for the child or for people with a disability and therefore have a loss of earnings.

Payment and application to the competent authority is made by the employer in the case of employees. Self-employed persons can submit their application directly to the competent authority.

The application for compensation must be submitted retroactively within 2 years. The amount of compensation depends on the reason for the application (quarantine/activity ban or closure of childcare facilities).

Applications can be submitted online for 12 federal states at www.ifsg-online.de. You can also find further helpful information here.