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Short-Term Care Leave in Delft Explained

Discover **short-term care leave** for Delft residents: up to 4 paid days per year for urgent care of close relatives. Legal rights under WAZO, with local support from the Delft Legal Desk.

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Short-Term Care Leave in Delft

In Delft, **short-term care leave** provides employees with a legal entitlement to take up to two separate instances of two consecutive working days per year for urgent care of a sick family member or close relative. This regulation supports Delft residents in balancing work and caregiving while maintaining income during unexpected situations—especially in the vibrant community of our city.

What Does Short-Term Care Leave Mean for Delft Residents?

Short-term care leave is designed for acute caregiving needs and differs from emergency leave, as it focuses on caring for others rather than personal emergencies. In Delft, where many residents provide informal care to family members in the region, this law helps combine work and caregiving—particularly as families rely more closely on each other for support.

The maximum duration is **four working days per year**, split into two separate two-day periods. The leave is **paid**, meaning your salary continues uninterrupted. It is an **inalienable right**; your employer in Delft cannot refuse if you meet the requirements.

Legal Basis

The rules for short-term care leave are outlined in the **Work and Care Act (WAZO)**, incorporated into Book 7 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). Key articles include:

  • Article 7:673(1) BW: Grants leave for caring for or assisting a close relative with illness or disability.
  • Article 7:673(2) BW: Limits the duration to two separate two-day periods per year.
  • Article 7:673(4) BW: Ensures full salary payment during leave, equivalent to your regular wages.

These rules have applied since 2006, with updates to improve accessibility. They cover all employees under contract—including those in Delft’s business sector, temporary workers, and on-call staff—but **not** self-employed individuals (ZZP’ers). For broader information on care leave, see our main article on short and long-term care leave.

Eligibility and How to Apply in Delft

To qualify for short-term care leave in Delft, you must meet these conditions:

  1. The care must be **urgent and unexpected**, such as an emergency admission to the **Reinier de Graaf Hospital** or a sudden health decline.
  2. It must involve a **close relative**, including your partner, child, parent, in-law, or housemate (as defined in **Article 7:673 BW**).
  3. Notify your employer **as soon as possible**, ideally before work begins. While proof is not mandatory, it may be useful in disputes; the **Delft Legal Desk (Juridisch Loket Delft)** can provide guidance.

Applying is straightforward: inform your employer by phone or email. Approval is not required, but they may verify the urgency. If care extends beyond the short-term period, consider **long-term care leave** or other options through the **Municipality of Delft**.

Your Rights and Obligations as a Delft Employee

You are entitled to:

  • Full salary continuation: Your regular wages, including bonuses, are paid during leave.
  • Protection against dismissal: Requesting leave cannot be grounds for termination or disadvantage; if issues arise, you can seek recourse at the **District Court of The Hague**.
  • Flexible scheduling: You may choose the days within the annual limit to fit your work schedule.

Your obligations include:

  • Notifying your employer **as early as possible** to minimize disruptions in Delft’s work environment.
  • Using the leave **only for its intended purpose**; misuse may result in penalties.
  • Cooperating with solutions if the employer faces operational challenges—though refusal cannot be enforced (consult the **Delft Legal Desk** in case of disputes).

Courts take refusal seriously: employers risk fines or compensation claims through the **subdistrict court in The Hague**.

Practical Examples from Delft

For instance, if your parent nearby falls and is hospitalized with a broken leg, you take **two days of short-term care leave** to assist with appointments and arrange home care via the **Municipality of Delft**. Your salary continues, and you inform your employer promptly.

Or, if your child suddenly develops a fever and local childcare in Delft is fully booked, you use **one day of leave** for childcare. Later, during your partner’s surgery, you take the second two-day period for post-operative care.

This regulation eases local caregiving without prolonged absence.

Comparison with Other Leave Types

A breakdown of short-term care leave versus related provisions:

Leave Type Duration Paid Purpose Legal Basis
Short-Term Care Leave Max. 4 days/year (2x2) Yes, full pay Urgent care for others Art. 7:673 BW
Emergency Leave No fixed limit, reasonable Yes, full pay Unexpected personal matters Art. 7:672 BW
Long-Term Care Leave Max. 6 weeks/year No (unless via ADV) Extended care needs Art. 7:674 BW

Learn more about **emergency leave** in our dedicated article.

Frequently Asked Questions for Delft Residents

Can I take short-term care leave for a pet?

No, the regulation applies **only** to close relatives (family or housemates), not pets. For caregiving advice in Delft, contact the **Delft Legal Desk (Juridisch Loket Delft)**.