Caregiving Parents Demand Better Protection in Working Life

Paris – 05/08/2026: Anyone caring for a child with a disability or high care needs often takes on responsibilities that are barely compatible with regular employment. A report broadcast by Franceinfo on Wednesday describes the considerable organizational and financial pressure on affected parents. In addition to support and care, they must coordinate appointments, submit applications and secure their livelihoods.

A newly founded trade union aims to represent the interests of family caregivers and give greater weight to their work, which has so far received little visibility. According to Franceinfo, those affected are calling for a more reliable status, simpler administrative procedures and financial security that adequately reflects the actual time required for family support.

In principle, employees in France can take caregiver leave for close relatives. Their employment contract is temporarily suspended for this purpose; an employer may not refuse a properly submitted entitlement. Without more favorable collective agreement provisions, leave is initially limited to three months. Over the course of an entire working life, it can be taken for up to one year. As a rule, the employer does not pay wages during this period.

As partial compensation, a state daily allowance for family caregivers can be requested. According to the French administration, it amounts to EUR 65.80 for a full day and is granted for a maximum of 22 days per month. Benefits are limited to 66 days per person receiving support; for up to four people in care, a total of 264 days is possible. For families providing extensive assistance over many years, this time-limited support therefore does not offer lasting income security.

If a child is seriously ill, has had an accident or has a disability and requires the intensive presence of a parent, parental presence leave may also be available. The employment contract is likewise suspended during this period. Under certain conditions, a daily family allowance may be paid. Medical documentation and arrangements with the employer, the family benefits fund or the agricultural social security system are required. The involvement of different institutions and procedures further increases the burden on families.

France’s disability compensation benefit may also include compensation for family caregivers. Since 1 June 2026, its maximum monthly amount per caregiver has been EUR 1,269.83, rising to EUR 1,523.80 in special cases. The payment is subject to conditions and does not amount to a regular salary when parents reduce or completely give up paid employment.

The report thus highlights a gap between individual social benefits and the reality of life for parents providing long-term care. Although entitlements to leave and financial assistance exist, they are spread across several systems, apply only for limited periods and often fail to compensate for long-term losses in income and career prospects.