Summary: HSE employees are entitled to take Carers Leave of between 13 weeks and 104 weeks (2 years) to provide full-time care to a person who requires it. Carers Leave is unpaid but your job is protected during the absence.
If you are caring for a family member or someone close to you who needs full-time care and attention, you may be entitled to Carers Leave from your HSE job. This guide explains who qualifies, how much leave you can take, and how to apply.
What Is Carers Leave?
Carers Leave is a statutory entitlement under the Carers Leave Act 2001. It allows employees to take unpaid leave from work to provide full-time personal care to a person who has a disability or illness and requires full-time care and attention.
Carers Leave is not paid by your employer, but you may be entitled to Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance from the Department of Social Protection during this time.
Who Qualifies for Carers Leave?
The Employee
To qualify for Carers Leave, you must:
- Have been employed by the HSE for a minimum of 12 months continuously before taking leave
- Be providing full-time personal care to the relevant person
- Not be engaged in employment, self-employment, training or education for more than 18.5 hours per week while on leave
The Person Being Cared For
The person you are caring for must:
- Be assessed by a HSE Deciding Officer as needing full-time care and attention
- Have a disability or illness that is likely to last at least 12 months
- Not be living in a residential care facility or hospital
There is no restriction on the relationship between the carer and the person being cared for — the person does not have to be a family member.
How Much Carers Leave Can You Take?
| Leave Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Minimum period of leave | 13 weeks |
| Maximum period of leave | 104 weeks (2 years) |
| Number of periods allowed | Multiple periods are possible, but the total cannot exceed 104 weeks for the same care recipient |
You can take your Carers Leave in one continuous block or in separate periods. However, each period must be at least 13 weeks long.
Is Carers Leave Paid?
Carers Leave is unpaid by your employer. However, you may be eligible for a payment from the Department of Social Protection:
- Carer’s Benefit — a PRSI-based payment for people who leave work or reduce their hours to care for someone. Paid for up to 2 years.
- Carer’s Allowance — a means-tested payment for carers who do not qualify for Carer’s Benefit.
Contact the Department of Social Protection or visit gov.ie to apply for Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance.
Annual Leave During Carers Leave
Annual leave does not accrue during Carers Leave with the following exception:
- Annual leave continues to accrue during the first 13 weeks of Carers Leave
- After 13 weeks, annual leave does not accrue
Public holidays that fall during the first 13 weeks of Carers Leave are also preserved.
Job Protection During Carers Leave
Your job is fully protected during Carers Leave. On your return:
- You have the right to return to the same job on the same or no less favourable terms and conditions
- If your original position is no longer available for genuine reasons, your employer must offer you suitable alternative employment
How to Apply for Carers Leave
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Contact the Department of Social Protection to have the care recipient assessed as a relevant person requiring full-time care and attention. You will receive a decision letter.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer
You must give your employer 6 weeks’ written notice before starting Carers Leave. The notice must include:
- The date you intend to start leave
- The duration of the leave
- A declaration that you will be providing full-time care
Use the HSE HR Carers Leave form, available from your HR department or the HRPOL portal.
Step 3: Provide Documentation
You may be required to provide:
- The Department of Social Protection decision confirming the care recipient qualifies
- A completed HSE leave application form
Step 4: Confirm Arrangements
Your manager will confirm the leave in writing and discuss any arrangements for your role during your absence.
Returning from Carers Leave
- Give your employer 4 weeks’ written notice of your intention to return
- You are entitled to return to your original position or a suitable alternative
- Contact HR well in advance to discuss your return and any required induction or update training
Carers Leave and Pension
Carers Leave is generally treated as a break in pensionable service. You should contact the HSE Pension Section or your pension scheme administrator before commencing leave to understand the impact on your pension entitlements and whether you can make additional contributions.
Carers Leave vs Compassionate Leave
These are completely different entitlements:
| Carers Leave | Compassionate Leave | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 13–104 weeks | 3–5 days |
| Paid/Unpaid | Unpaid | Paid |
| Purpose | Ongoing full-time care | Death of a family member |
| Statutory right | Yes | Yes (HSE policy) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while on Carers Leave? Yes, but only up to 18.5 hours per week. Working more than this disqualifies you from Carers Leave and from Carer’s Benefit.
Can I take Carers Leave more than once? Yes, but the total leave for caring for the same person cannot exceed 104 weeks.
Does my employer have to grant Carers Leave? Yes. Carers Leave is a statutory entitlement that your employer cannot refuse, provided you meet the qualifying conditions.
What if the person I was caring for recovers? If the care recipient no longer needs full-time care, you should notify your employer and arrange to return to work. You will need to give 4 weeks’ notice.
Can I take Carers Leave to care for someone who lives abroad? Generally, Carers Leave is intended for caring for someone in Ireland. There is no explicit restriction, but you should seek HR advice if the care recipient is outside Ireland.
Will taking Carers Leave affect my promotion prospects? No. The HSE is prohibited from penalising an employee for exercising their right to Carers Leave.
Useful Contacts
- Department of Social Protection (Carer’s Benefit): 0818 928 400
- HSE HR Helpdesk: Contact your local HR Business Partner
- Citizens Information: citizensinformation.ie
Related HSE Leave Guides
- HSE Annual Leave Entitlements 2026
- HSE Parental Leave Entitlements 2026
- HSE Maternity Leave Policy 2026
- HSE Unpaid Leave Policy 2026
This guide is based on the Carers Leave Act 2001 and HSE HR policy as of 2026. Always confirm your individual entitlements with your HR Business Partner before commencing leave.
