Carer's Leave: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about Carer's Leave in Ireland, including how many weeks of unpaid leave you can access to care for a loved one.
Carer's Leave is a statutory entitlement that allows employees to take time away from work to provide care for a family member.
Who it's for
This scheme is for employees who are providing full-time care to a person in need. It is designed to support workers who must balance their professional responsibilities with the significant demands of caregiving.
What you get
If you qualify, you are entitled to take up to 104 weeks of leave. This leave is unpaid, meaning you will not receive your regular salary from your employer during this time, but it provides a significant window of time to focus on caregiving duties.
What it costs you
There is no monetary fee to access this entitlement. However, the primary practical consideration is that your employer is required to hold your job open for you for the duration of your leave. You should communicate clearly with your workplace regarding your absence to ensure your position is secured.
The catch to know
The process requires a formal decision from the Department of Social Protection. You must ensure that you have received this official decision to proceed with the leave arrangement.
How to apply
- Confirm that you meet the requirement of providing full-time care.
- Contact the Department of Social Protection to seek a formal decision.
- Once the decision is received, notify your employer of your intent to take leave.
- Coordinate with your employer to ensure your position is held open for your return.