What is Care Leave?
Care leave enables you to provide care for a sick relative. There are two variants: short-term care leave (paid, maximum 2 weeks) and long-term care leave (unpaid, up to 6 weeks per year).
Summary of Care Leave
| Type | Duration | Compensation | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term | Up to 2 weeks/year | 70% salary | Essential care |
| Long-term | Up to 6 weeks/year | No payment | Seriously ill relative |
Short-term Care Leave: Conditions
To qualify, you must meet:
- Providing necessary care to a sick person
- You are the only available caregiver
- The sick person is a partner, child, parent or housemate
- Also possible for other relationships such as grandparents or friends
Long-term Care Leave: When Applicable?
Criteria for Long-term Leave
- Care for someone with a life-threatening condition
- Essential assistance to a sick or care-needy person
- Accompaniment in the terminal phase
- Concerns a relative such as child, partner or family member
How to Apply for Care Leave?
- Submit a written request to your employer
- For long-term leave: at least 2 weeks in advance
- Specify the care recipient, duration and start date
- Refusal by employer only for compelling business reasons
Calculation of Leave Time
The permitted duration depends on your working week:
- Short-term: 2x your weekly working time per year
- Long-term: 6x your weekly working time per year
- Example: for 20 hours/week = 40 hours short-term leave
Can I take care leave for a neighbor?
Yes, for short-term care leave this is possible for persons with whom you have a social bond.
What if my employer rejects my request?
This is only allowed for compelling business interests. You can file an objection or take legal steps.
Can care leave be combined with working from home?
In consultation with your employer, a combination can sometimes be arranged.
Local Information Leiden
For legal support in Leiden, you can contact:
- Den Haag District Court, Leiden Location
- Juridisch Loket Leiden: Stationsweg 46, for free advice on care leave and employment law