What is unpaid carer's leave?
Unpaid carer's leave is 2 days of unpaid leave per occasion to care for family, available when paid leave is used up or to casuals.
Unpaid carer's leave is a National Employment Standards entitlement under section 102 of the Fair Work Act 2009. It lets an employee take up to 2 days of unpaid leave each time an immediate family or household member needs care or support because of illness, injury, or an unexpected emergency.
It is available to all employees, including casuals. For permanent employees, it can be taken when their paid personal/carer's leave balance has run out. Casual employees, who do not accrue paid leave, can use unpaid carer's leave directly.
Key facts
- •Up to 2 days of unpaid carer's leave per occasion under s.102 of the Fair Work Act 2009
- •Available to all employees, including casuals
- •Permanent employees can use it once their paid personal/carer's leave is exhausted
- •Covers caring for an immediate family or household member who is ill, injured, or in an emergency
- •The same evidence rules apply — the employer can request reasonable evidence
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Leave Entitlements CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Can casual employees take unpaid carer's leave?
Yes. Casuals are entitled to up to 2 days of unpaid carer's leave per occasion under s.102 of the Fair Work Act, since they do not accrue paid personal/carer's leave.
How many days of unpaid carer's leave can I take?
You can take up to 2 days of unpaid carer's leave for each occasion that an immediate family or household member needs care due to illness, injury, or an unexpected emergency.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.