Unpaid sick leave question?

seachto7

Hi guys,

Heading for an operation on Monday and was chatting to HR, and never thought of the idea that I'd have to possibly take unpaid sick leave.

I rang the surgeons office, and they mentioned I'd have to ask for certs/forms in the hospital next week when I head in.

I've never been in this situation before, but knowing that it's a social welfar issue, does this mean, I'll have to go and queue in social welfare to try and claim for the time I'm off?

I mean, if I'm recovering from an operation, how am I expected to do this?
Can it be done online at all?

jules86

seachto7 wrote: »

Hi guys,

Heading for an operation on Monday and was chatting to HR, and never thought of the idea that I'd have to possibly take unpaid sick leave.

I rang the surgeons office, and they mentioned I'd have to ask for certs/forms in the hospital next week when I head in.

I've never been in this situation before, but knowing that it's a social welfar issue, does this mean, I'll have to go and queue in social welfare to try and claim for the time I'm off?

I mean, if I'm recovering from an operation, how am I expected to do this?
Can it be done online at all?

You will be claiming illness benefit, you will need to get social welfare form from your doctor- GP or hospital. Then send in weekly certs signed by you and your doctor. There is usually a box in social welfare office for these or you can post them in. Cannot be done online. You do not have to pay the doctor for these certs but give them a ring the day before so they will be ready for you.

seachto7

Hmmm, my GP is going to be far from my house, so I'll have to wait and see how to figure that out!

Stheno

You don't get illness benefit for the first six days you are out

seachto7

I'm covered for the first 12 days, but will have used up my quota then, so if I'm out longer, I'll have to claim.