Can a medical certificate be the basis for accruing sick leave?

A certificate of temporary incapacity for work cannot be the basis for calculating sick leave payments. It can only confirm the fact that an employee of the enterprise had a specific illness and was absent from work.

What is a certificate of temporary incapacity for work?

A certificate of temporary incapacity for work is an official document issued by a doctor to confirm the fact of a person’s illness. On its basis, an employee can justify their absence from work.

The rules and procedure for providing such a document are specified in the Instruction No. 455.

In what cases is a medical certificate issued instead of a sick leave?

A doctor may issue a medical certificate in the following cases:

• absence of strict reporting sick leave forms;

• consultation with a doctor;

• undergoing an examination without establishing incapacity for work;

• caring for a sick person over 14 years of age during inpatient treatment.

Difference between a certificate and a sick leave

A doctor may issue a medical certificate after examining a patient and establishing the fact of temporary incapacity for work. The document can be issued in different forms, including free-form.

How to receive benefits with only a medical certificate?

To receive temporary incapacity benefits, it is mandatory to exchange the certificate for a sick leave form.

To do this, you must perform the following actions:

• contact the medical institution, in particular the family doctor who conducted the examination, established the diagnosis, and issued the certificate;

• provide a passport to confirm identity;

• obtain a sick leave form.

In the upper right corner of the form, the doctor must indicate that the document is issued instead of a certificate with its specific number. In the "Issued" field, the date of exchange must be stated.

After receiving the sick leave, the employee applies to the employer for the calculation of sick leave payments.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you check the availability of an electronic sick leave?

To check an e-sick leave, go to the website of the Pension Fund.

What document must be submitted to receive temporary incapacity benefits in case of part-time work?

To receive sick leave payments, a copy of the sick leave form must be submitted to the employer.

What is the application deadline for financial support in case of temporary incapacity?

The application deadline is 12 months from the end date of the sick leave.