Paid Leave for Parents When Schools Close – What the Law Provides

In exceptional situations where educational institutions temporarily close—whether due to severe weather conditions or other force majeure events—parents may be entitled to paid leave to supervise their children, under a special law adopted for this purpose.

Who Can Benefit from Paid Leave

The right is granted to one of the parents, provided that the following conditions are met simultaneously:

• the child is up to 12 years old, or up to 18 years old if the child has a disability, and is enrolled in an educational institution;
• the parent’s job does not allow teleworking or working from home.

The same right also applies to a single parent in a single-parent household, the child’s legal guardian, or the person designated by law to exercise parental rights.

Paid leave is granted for the entire period during which the authorities decide to suspend classes. The request is submitted to the employer and must be accompanied by a sworn statement from the other parent confirming that they are not also benefiting from this paid leave.

The Allowance Paid to Parents

For each day of paid leave, the parent receives an allowance equal to 75% of the salary corresponding to one working day, without exceeding the daily equivalent of 75% of the average gross wage used as a basis for the state social insurance budget.

The amounts needed to pay these allowances are initially paid by the employer, but they may later be reimbursed from the Guarantee Fund for the Payment of Salary Claims, which is subsequently compensated from the state budget.

Special Rules for Certain Categories of Employees

In essential sectors—such as healthcare, energy, transport, communications, or sanitation—paid leave may be granted only with the employer’s consent, in order to avoid disrupting vital public services.

Conclusion

The law provides important protection for parents who must supervise their children in emergency situations, without being financially penalized. However, it applies only if a clear procedure is followed and supporting documents are submitted on time.

For any questions regarding salary rights or the correct interpretation of the legal provisions, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specialized in labor law.