Care Leave Allowance

Care Leave Allowance provides legally anchored financial security throughout Austria for family caregivers when professional employment is interrupted or reduced to part-time in order to care for and support close relatives. Since January 1, 2014, there has been a legal entitlement to a subsidy granted as compensation for lost earnings. The support falls under the thematic areas of Social Affairs as well as Work & Social Affairs and can be claimed for up to six months per care case (staggered if at least two caregivers are involved). In special cases such as family hospice leave or an increase in care needs by at least one care allowance level, an additional entitlement period of up to six months is possible. This ensures high-quality care and promotes the retention of care-dependent persons in their familiar environment.

Funding is provided to private individuals who agree on care leave, part-time care, or family hospice leave for relatives from care allowance level 3 (from level 1 for minors or persons with dementia) and, if applicable, deregister from unemployment benefits or emergency assistance. A prerequisite is uninterrupted compulsory full insurance employment in the previous job for at least three months, as well as a declaration that the care and support is predominantly provided during the leave. Required documents include the agreement on care leave/part-time care, the deregistration confirmation from unemployment benefits or emergency assistance, the notice of the care allowance level, a written care declaration, and proof of insurance covering three months of employment. Applications can be submitted informally at any time to the responsible social insurance institution or the Ministry of Social Affairs.