What is Care Leave?
Care leave provides the opportunity to care for a sick relative. This leave has two variants: short-term care leave (paid, maximum 2 weeks) and long-term care leave (unpaid, maximum 6 weeks per year).
Summary of Care Leave
| Type | Period | Compensation | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term | Up to 2 weeks/year | 70% salary | Essential care provision |
| Long-term | Up to 6 weeks/year | No payment | Seriously ill person |
Conditions for Short-term Care Leave
To qualify, you must meet:
- Providing necessary care to a sick person
- You are the only one who can provide this care
- The sick person is a close relative such as partner, child, parent or housemate
- Also possible for other relationships such as grandparents, grandchildren or friends
Long-term Care Leave: When Applicable?
In which situations?
- Care for someone with a life-threatening condition
- Essential assistance to a sick or care-needy person
- Accompaniment in the final stage of life
- Concerns a relative such as child, partner or family member
How do you apply for care leave?
- Submit a written request to your employer
- For long-term leave: at least 2 weeks in advance
- Specify who needs the care, the duration and start date
- Refusal by employer only for compelling business reasons
Calculation of Leave Duration
The length of the leave depends on your weekly working hours:
- Short-term: 2x your weekly hours per year
- Long-term: 6x your weekly hours per year
- For example: 20 hours/week = 40 hours short-term leave
May 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 the leave?
This is only permitted for compelling business interests. You can file an objection or take legal steps.
Can care leave be combined with working from home?
Consult with your employer; in some cases a combination is feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Care Leave in Zoetermeer
How do I submit an application for care leave?
A written request to your employer is required. For long-term leave, a 2-week notice period applies. Specify for whom, how long and from when you need leave.
Can I take leave for an acquaintance or neighbor?
For short-term leave, this is possible for social relationships. Long-term leave usually applies to immediate family or housemates.
How is my leave duration determined?
The calculation is based on your workweek. Short-term: 2x your weekly hours; long-term: 6x your weekly hours per year.
What if my application is refused?
Refusal is only allowed for serious business problems. You can object or seek legal assistance via, for example, Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer.