Family-work balance

Care Leave Hours Reduction Calculator Spain 2026

Calculate the salary impact of care leave hour reduction for children, relatives or disabled persons. Art. 37.6 ET: unconditional right.

Art. 37.6 ET: Unconditional right

The worker notifies the reduction 15 days in advance. The employer cannot refuse it. They may set the specific schedule distribution. In case of disagreement: urgent Social Court proceedings (Art. 139 LRJS).

Reason for reduction

Child's age (years)

Usual working hours (h/week)

h/wk

Requested new hours (h/week)

h/wk

Valid range: 20.0h – 35.0h/week

Current monthly gross salary

€

Salary structure

SS contributions are also proportionally reduced (from year 3). This may affect future contribution bases for retirement, temporary and permanent disability. Your collective agreement may provide enhanced rights.

Art. 37.6 and 37.7 ET (RDLeg 2/2015) · RDL 2/2021 (full contributions years 1-2) · STC 66/2022 · Art. 139 LRJS. Indicative calculator.

Manage contracts with Lexiel

Legal basis

Right to reduction (Art. 37.6 ET): Employees have the right to reduce their usual working hours by 1/8 to 1/2 for care of: a child under 12, a minor in foster care, a relative up to 2nd degree who cannot care for themselves, or a person with a disability. It is an unconditional right; the employer cannot refuse it.

SS contributions (RDL 2/2021 + STC 66/2022): For the first two years, contributions are based on the full-time salary. From the third year onwards, contributions are proportional to the reduced hours. Declared constitutional by the Constitutional Court in STC 66/2022.

Schedule distribution (Art. 37.7 ET): The worker has the right to determine the specific schedule. Disputes are resolved by the Social Court via urgent and preferential proceedings that cannot be suspended (Art. 139 LRJS).

Dismissal protection: Dismissal based on exercising care leave is null and void (Art. 55.5 ET). Collective agreements may provide enhanced conditions.

FAQ on reduced working hours for care

Can the employer refuse care leave hour reduction?

No. It is an unconditional right (Art. 37.6 ET para. 3): the worker notifies 15 days in advance. The employer may only dispute the specific schedule, resolved by the Social Court via urgent proceedings (Art. 139 LRJS).

What is the maximum reduction?

Half (1/2 = 50%) of usual working hours. The minimum is 1/8 (12.5%). For a 40h week, the valid range is 20h–35h/week.

How does it affect SS contributions and pension?

For the first 2 years, full contributions are maintained (RDL 2/2021). From year 3 onwards, contributions are proportionally reduced, which may affect future benefits.

Up to what age for child care?

Until the child turns 12 (Art. 37.6.a ET). Collective agreements may extend this limit.

Questions about your reduced working hours?

Lexiel explains the types (childcare, family care, breastfeeding), rights during reduced hours and how to request them with verified references to the Workers Statute.

Ask your legal question from €9.90/mo