9.3 million people say they provide regular help to a loved one with a disability or loss of autonomy in 2021, according to figures from the Ministry of Solidarity. Carers of all ages, even if there are particularly many at the age of 60, who sometimes have to put their professional and personal lives on hold to support their loved one, often an elderly parent , in the best conditions.
To make life easier for caregivers, Law No. 2018-84 of February 13, 2018 created a system for donating unused rest days for the benefit of caregivers of people losing their autonomy or with a disability, whether they work in the public or private sector. Before this law, the gift of leave days was reserved only for parents of a seriously ill child.
Donation of vacation days: who can benefit from it?
To qualify for a donation of leave days, you must regularly help a loved one with a disability or loss of autonomy. Several scenarios are possible, but a clear link must be established between the caregiver and the person being helped. This person can be their spouse, common-law partner or partner linked by a PACS, an ascendant, a descendant for whom the caregiver assumes responsibility, a collateral (brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts and their descendants) up to the fourth degree. This can also be an ascendant, descendant or collateral up to the fourth degree of their spouse, common-law partner or partner linked by a PACS. Finally, it may be an elderly or disabled person with whom he resides or with whom he maintains close and stable ties, and to whom he helps on a regular and frequent basis, in a non-professional capacity.
How many days off can you give?
The number of days is not defined by law and it is up to each employee to decide on the donation they wish to make. However, there are several conditions: the employee can therefore make his annual leave days from the moment he has taken 4 weeks of paid leave, days deposited in a time savings account or even his RTT days.
Donation of days off for caregivers: what are the steps?
Steps must be taken by both the employee who makes the donation and the person who receives the donation. The latter sends to his employer or his administration a detailed medical certificate, established by the doctor responsible for monitoring the person with a disability. This certificate must also specify “that a sustained presence and restrictive care are essential“If he is a public official, the employee must also provide a sworn declaration of the effective assistance he provides to the person being helped.
The employee who makes the donation must inform his employer, who must agree, that he gives up his days of rest for the benefit of his caregiver colleague.
Good to know. The donation process can be anonymous.