By law, you may be entitled to temporary unpaid leave from your employment to provide full-time care and attention to another person.
For information contact:
National Employment Rights Authority
Government Buildings,
O'Brien Road,
Carlow.
LoCall: 1890 80 80 90 (from the Republic of Ireland only)
+ 353 59 91 78990 (from Northern Ireland or overseas)
For more information on the law on carer’s leave, log onto http://www.employmentrights.ie/.
Carer’s leave credits
You will get credited PRSI contributions (‘credits’) automatically for the period you are getting Carer’s Benefit or on carer’s leave. Credits are awarded at the same rate as your last paid PRSI contribution.
These credits help protect your future social welfare payments.
Note:
If you avail of carer’s leave only, please have your employer complete the application form for carer’s leave credits at the back of this booklet after you return to work.
If you take up carer’s leave but do not get Carer’s Benefit, you will still be entitled to receive carer’s leave credits for each week’s leave for up to 2 years. This will make sure that your existing cover for social welfare is fully maintained.
You should then send the completed form to:
Department of Social Protection
Client Eligibility Services
Short Term Value Stream
Inner Relief Road
Ardarvan
Buncrana
Co. Donegal
Ireland
Credits will be awarded for your unpaid leave and your social insurance record will be updated.