Caregiver Leave for Employees: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Use It

If You’re Working and Caring for Someone, You’re Not Alone

If you’re caring for a child, aging parent, partner, or family member with health needs while working, you are far from alone. National caregiving research estimates that about one in five adults in the U.S. provides unpaid care to a loved one. Many of those caregivers are also working full time.

Caregiving is rarely a short-term responsibility. Studies show that caregiving often lasts several years, not weeks or months, and may involve medical appointments, recovery from surgery, chronic illness, disability support, or end-of-life care. Yet many caregivers assume they must manage this on their own or use vacation time when care demands increase.

What many employees don’t realize is that caregiver leave and other caregiver benefits may already exist through their employer, even if they are not clearly labeled as such.

This guide explains what caregiver leave is, how it differs from other types of leave, and what options may be available to you as a working caregiver.

What Is Caregiver Leave?

Caregiver leave is time off from work that allows an employee to care for a family member or loved one with health or care needs. Unlike parental leave, which is designed around the arrival of a new child, caregiver leave applies to a much wider range of situations.

Caregiver leave may be used when:

• A parent, spouse, or partner is recovering from surgery
• A family member has a serious illness or chronic condition
• A loved one needs help after a hospital stay
• A child has ongoing medical or developmental needs
• A family member is nearing the end of life

Caregiver leave may be paid or unpaid, depending on your employer’s policies, state programs, and eligibility.

How Common Is Caregiving While Working?

Caregiving while employed is more common than many people realize.

National surveys show that:

• Roughly 60% of caregivers are women
• Nearly half of caregivers report adjusting their work schedules, reducing hours, or turning down advancement opportunities because of caregiving
• Many caregivers provide 20 or more hours of care per week, in addition to full-time work

These realities explain why caregiver leave and flexibility matter. Without support, caregiving responsibilities often spill into work hours, create exhaustion, and force difficult choices between income and care.

Is Caregiver Leave the Same as FMLA?

Not exactly.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a U.S. federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to care for themselves or certain family members with serious health conditions.

Important things to know about FMLA:

• It applies only to certain employers and employees
• Leave under FMLA is unpaid
• Eligibility depends on how long you’ve worked and employer size
• Many caregivers cannot afford unpaid time off

Because of these limitations, some employers offer paid caregiver leave or additional caregiving benefits that go beyond FMLA. These programs are designed to help employees stay employed while meeting caregiving responsibilities.

Do All Employers Offer Caregiver Leave?

No. Caregiver leave is not required by law in most situations.

However, many employers provide some form of caregiver support, even if it is not clearly labeled “caregiver leave.” This support may include:

• Paid family or medical leave programs
• The ability to use paid sick time for family care
• State-mandated paid family leave programs
• Temporary schedule flexibility during caregiving events

Large national employers have increasingly expanded caregiver support in recent years, recognizing that caregiving-related stress and turnover create real costs for organizations. Research estimates that caregiving-related productivity loss and turnover cost U.S. employers tens of billions of dollars annually, which has increased attention to caregiver benefits.

How Much Caregiver Leave Might Be Available?

Caregiver leave policies vary widely by employer.

Some organizations offer:

• A few paid days per year for caregiving
• Several weeks of paid or partially paid caregiver leave
• Unpaid but job-protected leave beyond FMLA
• Flexibility to combine sick time, PTO, and caregiver leave

Eligibility definitions also vary. Some policies apply only to immediate family members, while others include domestic partners, extended family, or chosen family.

If your employer offers caregiver leave, it may be described under broader policies such as “family leave,” “medical leave,” or “personal leave.”

What Other Caregiver Benefits Might Be Available?

In addition to caregiver leave, many employers offer benefits designed to support working caregivers in other ways.

Flexible Work Options

Since 2020, flexible work has become more common. Research suggests that employees who work remotely part of the week regain hours previously spent commuting, which caregivers often use for appointments, transportation, or care coordination.

Flexible options may include:

• Remote or hybrid work
• Flexible start and end times
• Temporary schedule adjustments during care transitions

Backup and Emergency Care

Care disruptions are common. Schools close unexpectedly. Care providers get sick. Appointments run long.

Some employers offer backup or emergency care programs that provide:

• Short-term in-home care
• Access to vetted child or adult care providers
• Subsidized care days or discounted hourly rates

Federally funded programs such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program also provide respite care and support services for caregivers of older adults in many communities.

Financial Support for Caregivers

Care is expensive.

• Childcare costs have risen more than 20% since 2021 in many areas
• Assisted living and home care can cost thousands of dollars per month
• Many families spend a significant portion of household income on care

Employer benefits that may help include:

• Dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Employer caregiving stipends or reimbursements
• Contributions to tax-advantaged care accounts

These benefits can reduce financial strain, even if they don’t cover all care costs.

Mental Health, Counseling, and Care Navigation

Caregiving takes a real toll on health and wellbeing. Studies show that nearly one in four caregivers reports that caregiving has negatively affected their health, including stress, anxiety, and physical strain.

Some employers offer:

• Counseling or therapy through employee assistance programs
• Caregiver coaching or support groups
• Help navigating care options, insurance, and benefits

These services can save caregivers hours of research and help reduce isolation during difficult periods.

Why Many Caregivers Don’t Use Available Benefits

Many caregivers don’t think of themselves as caregivers. Others worry that asking for help could affect job security or career growth.

Research shows that caregivers often:

• Delay taking leave until a crisis
• Use vacation time instead of caregiving benefits
• Leave the workforce temporarily or permanently when support is unavailable

Understanding what benefits exist and how to access them can make a meaningful difference.

How to Ask About Caregiver Leave at Work

If you’re caring for someone and wondering what support may be available, consider:

1. Reviewing your employee handbook or benefits portal
2. Searching for terms like “family leave,” “medical leave,” or “caregiver support”
3. Contacting HR or your benefits team for general information
4. Asking about temporary flexibility if formal leave isn’t available

You do not need to disclose every detail of your situation to ask about your options.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Caregiving Alone

Caregiving is a normal part of life, but it can feel overwhelming when combined with work. Millions of employees face these challenges every day, and more employers are recognizing the need to support caregivers in practical ways.

Knowing your options can help you protect both your livelihood and the people you care for.

Learn More: Caregiver Leave, Support, and Helpful Resources

If you’re caring for someone while working, these organizations and tools can help you better understand your rights, benefits, and available support.

Understanding Caregiver Leave and Workplace Rights

U.S. Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Learn whether you may be eligible for job-protected leave and how FMLA works.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

State Paid Family Leave Programs
Some states offer paid family or medical leave beyond federal law. This page links to current state programs.
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/family-leave

Caregiving Information and Education

Family Caregiver Alliance
Practical guides on caregiving, caregiver health, navigating care, and finding local support.
https://www.caregiver.org/

AARP Caregiving Resource Center
Easy-to-read articles, checklists, and guides for caregivers of older adults.
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/

Finding Local Care and Support Services

Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living)
Find local services such as respite care, transportation, meals, and caregiver support programs.
https://eldercare.acl.gov/

National Family Caregiver Support Program
Information about federally funded caregiver support services available through local agencies.
https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program

Mental Health and Emotional Support for Caregivers

Mental Health America – Caregiver Mental Health
Resources focused on stress, burnout, and emotional wellbeing for caregivers.
https://www.mhanational.org/caregiver-mental-health

Financial and Legal Guidance

Benefits.gov
Find federal and state benefits you may be eligible for as a caregiver.
https://www.benefits.gov/

Medicare & Medicaid Information
Official information on healthcare coverage, eligibility, and caregiving-related services.
https://www.medicare.gov/