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Aim: The main aim of the study was to identify the determinants of career decisions among caregivers of children with disabilities, including the role of care allowance regulations, perceptions of recent legal changes, and the significance of paid employment. Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach based on primary qualitative data collected through a proprietary online survey (CAWI) of 25 parents of children with disabilities carried out in 2025. The survey questionnaire was developed following a review of relevant legal regulations, an analysis of online discussion fora and Facebook support groups for caregivers of children with disabilities, as well as exploratory semi-structured interviews conducted with three mothers receiving the care allowance in 2025. Results: Findings of the study demonstrate that the career decisions of mothers caring for children with disabilities are shaped by interacting legal, economic, and social factors. Recent changes to the care allowance system have diversified caregivers’ employment strategies while creating new challenges and uncertainties. Caregivers also perceive the current system as requiring further improvements, particularly regarding flexibility, continuity of support, and adaptation to individual family circumstances. Conclusions: It is necessary to elaborate more flexible support mechanisms that facilitate labor market participation among caregivers of children with disabilities without compromising the quality of care provided. An effective social policy should better accommodate the diverse and changing circumstances of caregiving families. Future policy reforms should be designed in close consultation with parents and caregivers of children with disabilities and should take into account their identified needs and lived experiences.
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