Pflegezeit (care leave) is the statutory option to take full or partial leave from work to care for a close relative (PflegeZG, FPfZG). For acute care there are up to 10 working days of short-term work prevention with Pflegeunterstützungsgeld (§ 2 PflegeZG with § 44a SGB XI), in 2026 at most about €135.63 per day. The up-to-6-month Pflegezeit is unpaid and generally requires more than 15 employees (§ 3); Familienpflegezeit of up to 24 months with reduced hours requires more than 25 employees (FPfZG). Special protection against dismissal applies during the leave, and an interest-free loan can cushion the loss of income.
At a glance
- Short-term work prevention (kurzzeitige Arbeitsverhinderung): up to 10 working days to organize an acute care situation
- For these days there is Pflegeunterstützungsgeld as income replacement; in 2026 the maximum is about €135.63 per day
- Pflegezeit: up to 6 months of unpaid leave; the entitlement applies in businesses with, as a rule, more than 15 employees
- Familienpflegezeit: up to 24 months with working time reduced to at least 15 hours per week, from, as a rule, more than 25 employees
- Special protection against dismissal (Kündigungsschutz) applies during the leave (§ 5 PflegeZG)
- To cushion the loss of income, an interest-free loan is available from the Bundesamt für Familie und zivilgesellschaftliche Aufgaben (BAFzA)
The models at a glance
- Kurzzeitige Arbeitsverhinderung (PflegeZG): up to 10 working days, since 2024 as a per-calendar-year entitlement to Pflegeunterstützungsgeld
- Pflegezeit (PflegeZG): full or partial leave for up to 6 months, unpaid
- Familienpflegezeit (FPfZG): partial leave for up to 24 months, with a minimum working time of 15 hours per week
FAQ
Who counts as a close relative?
The PflegeZG defines the group broadly: among others parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, spouses and civil partners, siblings, children, adopted and foster children, and siblings-in-law.
Do I keep getting paid by the employer during Pflegezeit?
The six-month Pflegezeit is unpaid. For the up-to-10-day short-term work prevention there is Pflegeunterstützungsgeld from the care insurance fund (Pflegekasse; in 2026 at most about €135.63 per day). For the loss of income during Pflegezeit and Familienpflegezeit, an interest-free loan can be applied for from the BAFzA.
From what company size does an entitlement exist?
Pflegezeit generally requires more than 15 employees, Familienpflegezeit generally more than 25 employees. The short-term work prevention of up to 10 days applies regardless of company size.
Does protection against dismissal apply during the leave?
Yes. From the announcement, at most twelve weeks before the start, until the end of the Pflegezeit or Familienpflegezeit, the employer may generally not give notice. Exceptions are possible only in special cases with the approval of the competent authority.
Last updated: August 2026
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
