What is close relative caregiver leave?
Close relative caregiver leave is a specific type of leave. It is available to workers who are recognised as close relative caregivers when they provide ongoing support to someone who is dependent.
Learn more: « What is close relative caregiver leave? »
Who can benefit from close relative caregiver leave?
Firstly, your worker must be recognised as the close relative caregiver of the person they wish to assist.
To achieve this, they must submit a request for recognition through a declaration on honour to their mutuality, which will determine if they qualify as a close relative caregiver.
What changes for the status of close relative caregiver?
Since 1 July 2026, three new measures have modified the status of close relative caregivers and have a direct impact on informal care leave:
- The recognition period is extended to two years, starting from the date of signature of the declaration on honour
- A two-year extension may also be requested, provided that both the close relative caregiver and the dependent person declare on honour that they still meet the conditions
- The recognition of the status no longer ends when the dependent person is in a residential facility: either full-time for a maximum of 90 consecutive days, or part-time (i.e. when they stay outside this facility at least one day per week or thirty days per year), regardless of the duration
How can your worker take close relative caregiver leave?
When taking close relative caregiver leave, your worker can suspend their labour contract either fully or partially.
The leave can take one of the following forms:
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Complete suspension |
Reduction of hours to part-time |
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What changes since 1 July 2026?
To provide more flexibility and greater freedom of choice in taking close relative caregiver leave, new rules apply to applications submitted as from that date.
The changes are summarised in the table below:
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Complete suspension |
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Reduction of hours to part-time |
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Reduction of hours by 1/5 |
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How must your worker submit their request?
When your worker wishes to take close relative caregiver leave, they must submit their request in writing. Unless otherwise agreed, you must receive this request at least 7 days before the start of the suspension or reduction of hours. Additionally, the worker must attach the recognition from the mutuality to their request.
Is close relative caregiver leave paid?
As an employer, you do not have to pay a salary to your worker during this leave. They will receive a benefit for interruption from the NEO, the amounts of which can be found here. These rules will remain unchanged.
When does it come into force?
The changes enter into force on 1 July 2026. Therefore, they apply to applications that your workers submit to you, as the employer, as from that date.
What does Securex do for you?
If you have any questions about this topic, your Legal Advisor will be happy to assist you. Contact them promptly by email at myHR@securex.be.
Source
- Law of March 22, 2026 introducing various measures in favour of close caregivers, Moniteur belge of April 1, 2026.
