Pflegekarenz und Pflegefreistellung: Unterschiede & Voraussetzung

Imagine your grandma, who has always meant so much to you, suddenly needs more care. You would like to look after her at home, but everyday life with work and family doesn't allow it, or only far too rarely. Do you know this feeling of being overwhelmed and caring for a loved one? two types of care leave: 'Pflegekarenz' and 'Pflegefreistellung' in Austria exist precisely for situations like this.

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What are pflegekarenz (long-term caregiver leave) and pflegefreistellung (short term caregiver leave)?

Caring for a close relative can be a challenging and emotional time. Many people don't know what legal and financial support is available to care for their loved one.

We at noracares want to provide you with this important information in an easy-to-understand and comprehensive way. In this article, you will learn everything about 'Pflegekarenz' and 'Pflegefreistellung', from the requirements to the financial aspects and protection against dismissal.

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Applying for 'Pflegekarenz' in Austria

’Pflegekarenz’ can be requested to care for a close relative who is at least Pflegestufe 3 and for whom there is no other caregiver who can care for him or her. As is so often the case, there are some exceptions here too: If the person requiring care is a minor or suffers from dementia, you can claim this special benefit from care level 1. You can find more information on this in our article about Stages of Care Austria Dementia.

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Prerequisites for 'Pflegekarenz' und 'Pflegefreistellung'

In addition to the care level, there are also other criteria that you must fulfill in order to apply for 'Pflegekarenz'. For example, you must have been continuously employed by your employer for three months in order to be eligible for care leave.

Also a written agreement with your employer is also required to agree on care leave or part-time care leave. If no agreement can be reached, partial care time to claim.

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'Pflegekarenz' - who pays?

While you're busy caring for your loved one all day, you Nursing care allowance. This corresponds to the amount of your entitlement to unemployment benefit, usually around 55 percent of your salary. Even if you claim part-time care leave, the state will make sure that you don't miss out financially:

You will continue to receive your salary for the hours you have worked and will also receive care leave allowance on a pro rata basis. You can also apply for care leave allowance online. On the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs you can find all application forms.

"Maria, one of our customers, says: 'When my father fell ill, I was at a loss at first. Thanks to the care leave, I was able to take full care of him and support him in his final days. Although this time was exhausting, it was also very valuable."

’Pflegefreistellung’ in Austria

Sometimes it is not the relative in need of care with a care level who falls ill, but someone else, such as biological children, the spouse, registered partner or life partner. In these cases, there is the option of ‘Pflegefreistellung’, also known as ‘Pflegeurlaub’.

This leave can be used for the care of children under 12 years of age or an injured relative.

Here is the option to take ‘Pflegefreistellung’, popularly known as ‘Pflegeurlaub’. You can find out more about common mistakes in home care in our article Common home care mistakes and how to avoid them.

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Prerequisites for ‘Pflegefreistellung’

You can also apply for this care leave if you have only recently been hired by your employer. There is no specific deadline here, you are entitled to it immediately. However, it only covers three weeks of care leave. If care is required for longer, it is also possible to take leave without prior agreement with your employer.

Dismissal protection during ‘Pflegekarenz’ and ‘Pflegefreistellung’

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Whether you are on ‘Pflegekarenz’ oder ‘Pflegeurlaub’: In both cases, you may not be dismissed during this time. If your employer does not adhere to this rule and dismisses you anyway, you should defend yourself against this. Please note, however, that you can file a complaint within two weeks of the dismissal.

You are on the safe side if you take action against your employer in the first week after the unlawful act. If you are unsure whether your employer has made a mistake or are looking for additional advice, you can contact the Chamber of Labor contact.

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A situation in which you need ‘Pflegefreistellung’ oder ‘Pflegekarenz’ often comes very unexpectedly. So that you can take care of the person in need of care as quickly as possible, you have the option of applying to your employer for time off and making an agreement with them for care leave or part-time care leave. While you are providing care, you will receive state benefits that will enable you to remain financially stable despite working fewer hours.

Need help caring for your loved ones? Find out at noracares the support that fits the needs of the person being cared for!

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