Taking a Break: Navigating Paid Time Off for Special Leaves, Illness, and Bereavement
Leave entitlement for weddings, funerals, and medical emergencies. - Leave for extraordinary circumstances: marriage, death, and illness.
By Niko J.≈ 3 Min Read
When it comes to taking time off work, many folks instantly think of emergencies like the death of a loved one. Yet, paid time off, often referred to as special leave, is accessible for more than just tragic events. This includes milestone celebrations, routine appointments, and all without consuming precious vacation days. Moreover, there isn't a set annual limit on the number of special leave days you can take. However, beware: navigating the complexities surrounding special leave can be tricky, as a legal expert cautions.
Laws regarding special leave have been put in place to cover significant family events and personal hardships. Till Bender, a lawyer from DGB Rechtsschutz GmbH, elucidates, "Special leave is mandated by law for special family events and personal emergencies. If guidelines aren't stated in employment contracts, the legal claim still applies." In some cases, these regulations may be overridden by aspects outlined in works agreements or individual agreements.
When is special leave an option?
With guidance from Bender, we identified the following scenarios where special leave may be granted:
- Your own wedding(s)
- Weddings of your children or parents
- Golden wedding anniversary of your parents
- Childbirth of your spouse
- Funerals of close relatives
- Doctors' appointments
- Burglaries
- Fires
- Uninsured car accidents
The duration of your time off depends on the specific situation at hand. A short doctor's appointment may require a few hours off, while family events usually get a full day, not just the ceremony itself. The maximum time off for events like funerals tends to be between seven and ten days.
If you need time off to care for a sick child or dependent relative, Bender recommends using special leave before applying for child sickness benefit. While the child sickness benefit provides 90% of your salary (limited to approximately €120.75 per day), employers provide full pay during special leave. Moreover, you can claim up to 15 days of special leave per parent or 30 days for single parents through your health insurance each year.
For senior relatives, special leave is available if you're an adult child, partner, sibling, stepparent, grandparent, or even a grandchild, adopted, or foster child.
Volunteer activities can sometimes grant you paid leave, too. "If you are actively involved in charitable or community work, it's definitely worth investigating if leave is an option," suggests Bender. Educational leave, job applications, civic duties, and religious obligations may also be eligible for paid time off, but each case is unique.
Applying for special leave
In communicating your need for special leave to your employer, Bender advises providing ample notice to allow for coverage arrangements, if necessary. In the case of emergencies like a fire or an accident, a phone call should suffice. "Always inform your employer as soon as possible; it reduces confusion and ensures smoother planning," says Bender. For doctor's appointments, simply notifying your employer or presenting a practice appointment card is usually sufficient. However, be prepared to provide a medical certificate or a letter from your doctor if your boss raises concerns. Bosses cannot require you to visit a specific doctor with office hours that conflict with your availability. "It's your personal choice which doctor you visit," emphasizes Bender.
Authorities may require proof if you were absent due to an unexpected car accident. According to Bender, you may be asked for police reports or correspondence with your insurance. If the accident was your fault, your wages may need to be repaid. Some companies choose not to pursue this option, though.
Unlike sick leave, special leave doesn't have a predefined duration. "Employers cannot refuse your request to attend your sister's wedding after you've already taken time off for your mother's funeral!" Bender clarifies.
It's important to note that special leave policies can vary significantly by employer. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your company's policies and any applicable laws.
- Special Leave
- Employer
- Death
- Wedding
- Siblings
- In cases of health-and-wellness necessities, you may utilize special leave for doctor's appointments, just as you can for dealing with personal emergencies such as funerals of close relatives.
- When looking to make a change in your personal-finance situation, consider exploring if your employer offers paid time off for volunteer activities or educational leave as these could potentially help in your career advancement or community service efforts.
