Caring for relatives: your right to leave from work
When a close relative suddenly needs care, you should not be torn between job and family. The Care Leave Act gives you the right to be released from work for the care.
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Clarify the leave →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Assess the situation
Acute and short (up to 10 days) or longer-term (care leave/family care leave)? The path depends on that.
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2. Inform the employer
Report the prevention without delay; for care leave a notice period applies (usually 10 working days in advance, in writing).
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3. Proof/money
Have the need for care medically certified; apply for care support allowance at the care fund.
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4. Use protection against dismissal
From the announcement until the end of the care leave, dismissal is usually not permitted (§ 5 PflegeZG).
Frequently asked questions
May I stay home to care for a relative?
Yes. In an acutely arising care situation you can stay away from work for up to 10 working days to organize the care (§ 2 PflegeZG) and receive care support allowance for it. For longer care there is care leave (up to 6 months) and family care leave.
Can I be dismissed during care leave?
Generally not: from the announcement (at most 12 weeks before the start) until the end of the care or family care leave there is special protection against dismissal (§ 5 PflegeZG). A dismissal is only possible in exceptional cases with official approval.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.