Guides › Work and Employment › Time Off for Dependants: Emergencies at Home
Time Off for Dependants: Emergencies at Home
As an employee you are allowed reasonable time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependant, such as your partner, child, parent or someone who relies on you for care. There is no set limit; it depends on the situation. Your employer does not have to pay you, unless your contract says so.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Rules
Who Counts
A spouse, partner, child, grandchild, parent, or someone who depends on you for care. source
How Much
A reasonable amount of time to deal with the emergency. Tell your employer as soon as possible how much time you need. There is no limit on how many times. source
Pay
Your employer may pay you but does not have to. Check your contract or handbook. You cannot usually take this leave for something you knew about in advance, such as a planned appointment. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- ASAPTell your employerAs soon as you reasonably can
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 3
Tell your employer as soon as you can, and how long you need.
Step 2 of 3
Keep a note of the date and reason.
Step 3 of 3
Check your contract for paid compassionate leave.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Acas Helpline
Free and confidential. 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Rules here are for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own employment law, the Labour Relations Agency and industrial tribunals; see nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/time-off-for-dependants Checked 15 October 2026
- acas.org.uk/contact Checked 8 October 2026