In Portugal, the Temporary Incapacity Certificate (CIT), commonly known as "sick leave", is an official document that certifies a worker's temporary inability to carry out their professional activity due to illness or accident. This certificate is essential for the worker to be able to justify their absence from work and access sickness benefit, compensating for the loss of pay during the period of incapacity.
How does the Temporary Disability Certificate (TDC) work?
Issuing the CIT is the responsibility of the doctors at the hospital. National Health Service (SNS)This includes health centres, hospitals and emergency services. From 1 March 2024, emergency services and the private and social sector will also be able to issue temporary incapacity certificates.
The process of issuing the CIT is carried out electronically, with the certificate being transmitted directly by the health services to Social Security. In this way, the worker is no longer responsible for delivering the document to the employer, simplifying the process and reducing the associated bureaucracy.
Sickness Benefit: Who is entitled and how does it work?
Sickness benefit is a benefit granted by the Social Security which is intended to compensate for the loss of pay resulting from temporary absence from work due to illness.
To be entitled to this allowance, the worker must fulfil the following requirements:
- Warranty period: Have at least six months of consecutive or interpolated social security contributions.
- Start of PaymentSickness benefit is paid from the fourth day of incapacity in the case of employees, and from the 31st day in the case of self-employed workers.
- Maximum durationSick leave can be for a maximum of 1,095 days (three years) for dependent workers and 365 days (one year) for self-employed workers.
How is the Sickness Benefit Calculated?
The amount of sickness benefit is calculated on the basis of the worker's reference remuneration, corresponding to a percentage of the average daily wage, according to the duration of the incapacity:
- Up to 30 days: 55% of the reference remuneration.
- From 31 to 90 days: 60% of the reference remuneration.
- From 91 to 365 days: 70% of the reference remuneration.
- More than 365 days: 75% of the reference remuneration.
It's important to note that there are minimum and maximum limits for the value of the subsidy, set annually by the government.
Workers' obligations during sick leave
During the period of temporary incapacity, the worker must fulfil certain obligations to ensure entitlement to sickness benefit:
- Inform the EmployerAlthough the CIT is transmitted electronically to Social Security, the worker must inform their employer of the disability situation.
- Availability for Medical AssessmentsThe worker must be available for any medical assessments requested by Social Security to confirm temporary incapacity.
- Respect Medical IndicationsIt is essential that the worker complies with the doctor's instructions in order to recover his or her labour capacity.
Changes in Medical Leave Rules and Trends for the Future
With the new rules coming into force on 1 March 2024, emergency services and the private and social sectors will be able to issue temporary incapacity certificates, broadening workers' access to certification of incapacity.
These changes aim to simplify the process of issuing the CIT, reduce bureaucracy and ensure a faster response to the needs of workers in situations of illness or temporary incapacity.
What You Should Know to Guarantee Your Rights
The Temporary Incapacity Certificate (CIT) is an essential instrument in Portugal's social protection system, ensuring that workers can justify their absence from work due to illness and access sickness benefit, which compensates for the loss of income during the period of incapacity.
It is essential that workers are informed about their rights and duties related to sick leave, fulfil the associated obligations and collaborate with the competent bodies to ensure the correct functioning of this social protection mechanism.
If you need a sick leaveMédico na Net offers a professional and secure service, guaranteeing a quick and hassle-free process.
For more information, it is recommended that you consult the official websites of the Social Security and National Health Service, where up-to-date details on how the CIT and sickness benefit work are available.
