Short-Term Care Leave Situations in Den Haag
Short-term care leave is an essential statutory right for employees in Den Haag to take short periods off for caring for a sick child, partner, or household help. In a vibrant city like Den Haag, with many jobs in government and healthcare, this leave offers flexibility during unexpected caregiving moments without loss of pay. This article covers short-term care leave situations, conditions, and local tips.
Why Short-Term Care Leave Matters for Den Haag Residents
In Den Haag, employees can take short-term care leave when a loved one urgently needs care. Unlike emergency leave, it focuses on home care for sick relatives. The leave is urgent: your employer in Den Haag cannot deny it if properly applied.
Legal Basis
The right is set out in Article 7:629(3) of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). Employees are entitled to leave for:
- care for a sick child up to age 8 (or school-age);
- care for a sick partner or live-in family member up to the second degree;
- care for a sick housemate providing household help.
Full pay continues. For disputes, contact the UWV, Legal Aid Office Den Haag, or District Court of Den Haag for support.
Conditions for Short-Term Care Leave in Den Haag
The care must be urgent and prevent you from working. It cannot be delegated. Key requirements:
- Involves a partner, child under 8, school-age child, or household help.
- Maximum two times per year, two days each per case.
- Report as soon as possible, ideally the same day.
Practical Examples from Den Haag
Typical short-term care leave situations in the area:
- Your 5-year-old develops a fever overnight after a beach day and stays home. You take one day off.
- Your partner breaks an arm cycling in the city; you care for the family for two days.
- Your live-in au pair has the flu and can't help. You step in temporarily using leave.
- Your 10-year-old school child has stomach pain and childcare in Den Haag neighborhoods is full. This qualifies if necessary.
Only for acute cases; chronic care requires long-term care leave.
Duration, Payment, and Rules
Maximum four days per year (2x2). Full pay is retained. Exceeding this triggers emergency or other care leave. Employers cannot charge costs. In Den Haag, with collective agreements for the municipality or central government, check specific rules.
Rights and Obligations
Your Rights as a Den Haag Resident
- Immediate approval; no doctor's note needed (unless disputed).
- No pay deduction.
- Protection against dismissal during leave.
Your Obligations
- Report by phone immediately.
- Provide proof if requested (e.g., from your Den Haag GP).
- Solely for caregiving, not personal use.
Short-Term Care Leave vs. Emergency Leave
| Aspect | Short-Term Care Leave | Emergency Leave |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Art. 7:629(3) DCC | Art. 7:629(2) DCC |
| Purpose | Care for sick child/partner/help | Urgent matters (fire, death, sick child at school) |
| Max. Duration/Year | 4 days (2x2) | Short-term, no limit |
| Pay | 100% continued | 100% continued |
| Reporting | As soon as possible | Immediately |
More info in our article on both leave types.
FAQs for Den Haag
Is a doctor's certificate required?
No at the time of request. Employer may ask later if suspicious; keep your Den Haag GP receipt.
For a sick grandchild?
No, limited to children up to 8/school-age, partner, or help. Grandchildren do not qualify.
What if employer refuses leave?
Not allowed for valid claims. Contact Legal Aid Office Den Haag, UWV, or District Court of Den Haag. Dismissal protection applies.
Part-time in Den Haag: does it count?
Yes, per situation based on your working days, including part-time at Municipality Den Haag.
Tips for Den Haag Residents
- Document requests by email for proof.
- Discuss working from home or flexible hours with your employer.
- Frequent care? Check short-duration care leave (Art. 7:630 DCC) or caregiver support via Municipality Den Haag.
- Review your collective agreement for extra rights in Den Haag sectors.