Applying for Care Leave: Rules for Work and Care

Care leave helps you make time for someone you care for. That may be necessary when care at home suddenly needs more attention than usual. There are rules for short-term and long-term leave, and applying for care leave can be the step you need to take.

What is short-term care leave?

Short-term care leave is for a short period of necessary care. You use it when you are needed for a sick loved one for a little while. That can be your child, your partner, your parent, a friend, or a housemate.

In 12 months, you may take a maximum of twice your weekly working hours. If you work 32 hours per week, that is a maximum of 64 hours per year. You request this leave in advance from your employer.

What is long-term care leave?

Long-term care leave is for care that lasts longer than a few days. It applies when you care for someone for a longer period who is seriously ill, dependent on care, or terminally ill.

In 12 months, you may take a maximum of six times your weekly working hours. If you work 32 hours per week, that is a maximum of 192 hours per year. You spread those hours in consultation with your employer, for example by temporarily working fewer days.

Do you receive pay during care leave?

With short-term care leave, your employer pays at least 70% of your salary. If that amount falls below the minimum wage, you receive the minimum wage.

With long-term care leave, the leave is in principle unpaid. Your employer usually does not have to pay for this leave. Your collective labor agreement may contain other arrangements, sometimes more favorable than the law.

How do you apply for care leave?

You request short-term care leave in advance from your employer. They may only refuse it if there is a compelling business interest.

You usually request long-term care leave in writing at least two weeks in advance. Think beforehand about the consequences for your income. Your collective labor agreement may contain different arrangements, so check that as well or ask your employer.

What do you do if you want to discuss work and care?

More and more employers want to be caregiver-friendly. This involves making caregiving a topic of discussion, clearly writing down agreements, teaching managers and colleagues how to have the conversation, and giving it ongoing attention.

In practice, an employer can offer flexible working hours, room to arrange things during the day, working from home, or additional unpaid leave on top of the statutory arrangements. It also helps if colleagues respond with understanding. If you work as an informal caregiver, you are allowed to ask for this yourself.