Carer's Leave 2026 — up to 2 years protected leave to care for a loved one
Carer's Leave Ireland 2026
Carer's Leave lets employees take up to 104 weeks (2 years) away from work to care for a person who needs full-time care. It is a legal right under the Carer's Leave Act 2001 — your employer cannot refuse it and your job is protected throughout. It is unpaid, but you can apply for Carer's Benefit (€299/week) or Carer's Allowance (€246/week) from DSP to cover some of the lost income.
Carer's Leave — At a glance
- Maximum duration
- 104 weeks (2 years)
- Pay
- Unpaid — apply for DSP payment
- Service requirement
- 12 months continuous employment
- Notice to employer
- 6 weeks in writing
- Job protection
- Full protection — right to return to same or equivalent role
Income during Carer's Leave — DSP payments
Carer's Leave is unpaid, but you can apply to the Department of Social Protection for one of the following payments:
| Payment | Rate (2026) | Means test | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carer's Benefit | €299/week | No — PRSI-based (104 paid contributions needed) | Up to 104 weeks per care recipient |
| Carer's Allowance | €246/week (under 66) €284/week (66+) | Yes — means-tested | As long as qualifying conditions are met |
Carer's Benefit requires 104 paid PRSI contributions and is not means-tested. Carer's Allowance is means-tested and available to those who don't qualify for Carer's Benefit.
How to structure Carer's Leave
You can take Carer's Leave as a single continuous period, or in multiple separate blocks. Each block must be at least 13 weeks long (unless you and your employer agree to a shorter period).
| Structure | Detail |
|---|---|
| One continuous block | Any period from 13 weeks up to 104 weeks |
| Multiple blocks | Each block minimum 13 weeks; total across all blocks cannot exceed 104 weeks per care recipient |
| Per care recipient | 104 weeks per person you care for — if you care for two different people you can have 208 weeks total |
Who can you care for?
The person being cared for must be confirmed by the HSE as a "relevant person" — someone who requires full-time care and attention due to illness, disability, or age. The HSE assesses this as part of the Carer's Benefit or Allowance application process.
- A parent, spouse, civil partner, or sibling
- A child of any age (including adult children) with a disability or illness
- Any other person, as long as they require full-time care and attention
- There is no requirement for the carer to live with the person being cared for
Work during Carer's Leave
You can work up to 15 hours per week during Carer's Leave without disqualifying yourself from the leave entitlement or from Carer's Benefit. This is designed to allow carers to maintain a small level of income.
Working more than 15 hours per week will end your entitlement to Carer's Leave and Carer's Benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer refuse Carer's Leave?
No. If you meet the qualifying conditions (12 months service, person being cared for qualifies), your employer cannot refuse Carer's Leave. They can ask you to postpone by up to 6 weeks if there is serious disruption to the business, but cannot refuse outright.
Do I accrue annual leave during Carer's Leave?
You continue to accrue annual leave entitlements during the first 13 weeks of each Carer's Leave period. After 13 weeks in the same block, annual leave does not accrue.
What if my care recipient recovers or dies?
If the care recipient no longer requires full-time care or passes away, your Carer's Leave ends. You must notify your employer and can return to work.
Can both parents take Carer's Leave for the same person?
In general, only one carer at a time can receive Carer's Benefit or Allowance for the same care recipient. However, Carer's Leave itself can be taken by any employee who qualifies.
What happens to my pension during Carer's Leave?
Carer's Leave periods are treated as continuous service for pension purposes under many schemes. Check with your employer's pension provider. If you receive Carer's Benefit, PRSI credits are paid protecting your social insurance record.
- Carer's Leave is unpaid — your employer has no legal obligation to pay you. Apply for Carer's Benefit or Carer's Allowance to receive income.
- You must have 12 months continuous employment before you can take Carer's Leave — a new employee cannot take it immediately.
- The 104-week limit applies per care recipient — caring for two different people at different times can give you up to 208 weeks total.
- You can work up to 15 hours per week during Carer's Leave without losing entitlement — many carers use this for part-time work.
- Carer's Leave is separate from Carer's Benefit and Carer's Allowance — you can be on Carer's Leave without receiving either payment if you don't qualify.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Carer's Leave entitlements under the Carer's Leave Act 2001.