Can I Use Sick Leave for a Family Member's Illness? Seeking Clarity on Rules

Dear Seniors,

Can sick leave be taken on account of family members being sick? The definition of family members being restricted to Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter, Father, and Mother.

Dear Deepika,

As per my knowledge, sick leave is given for oneself and not for one's family members.

Thank you.

Yes, sick leave cannot be availed of for attending to family members who are sick.

Sick leave is always applied for oneself; for a family member's sickness, one is required to apply for casual leave or earned leave.

Thanks and regards,
Jayanta
HR Documentation | Advisory | Compliance

Dear Deepika,

Employees cannot avail or claim sick leave for their family members as per the S&E Act. However, there are different scenarios within companies nowadays. According to the company policy, if the company allows employees to take paid leave in the case of their family members' ill health, then the employees can benefit from this provision. In such a situation, the company can adjust the employee's sick leave, casual leave, or earned leave accordingly.