In today’s fast-paced work environment, applying for time off can be a hassle. However, with the ability to apply for a medical certificate online, this process is easier than ever. Inside this blog, we will cover the leave certificates that you can apply for, to help you better understand which type you will need. Whether you or an immediate family member is struck by a sudden cold, this guide will help you manage your leave process effectively and efficiently.
What is an Online Medical Certificate?
As per the Fair Work Act, an employer can ask an employee to provide evidence or a document for taking sick leave or carer’s leave. These documents, commonly known as ‘medical certificates’, serve as proof that you are unable to attend work due to illness.
Depending on the health professional issuing them, these certificates may also be called ‘absence from work certificates’ or ‘sick leave certificates.’ However, generally, all such certificates, including those for carer’s leave, are widely known as medical certificates.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what ’medical certificates’ or ‘sick leave certificates’ are, let’s discuss what you’ll need before starting the application process. Unlike traditional paper applications, online medical certificates do not require booking an appointment to visit a clinic. This is the beauty of online convenience. All you need is a smartphone or a computer with internet access, all from the comfort of home.
Applying for a Leave Certificate Online
Step 1: Choosing your certificate type
The first step in applying for your online leave certificate is to determine which type you need. There are two types available: Sick Leave Certificates and Carer’s Leave Certificates. Carer’s leave certificates should only be used when you need to take the day off work to care for an immediate family member, due to sudden illness, injury or an unexpected emergency.
Step 2: Filling Out Your Details
Once you decide on the type of certificate you need, the next step is to fill out your personal details. This part is straightforward. You’ll just need to provide your full name, gender, date of birth, email address, phone number and residential address. It’s important that you include the correct details, so your certificate can be directly emailed to you.
Step 3: Answer a Simple Questionnaire
Upon filling out your personal details, you’ll be prompted to complete a questionnaire about your condition. This will assist our professional team in understanding your situation, and allow them to provide you with the correct certificate. The questionnaire is straightforward and only takes a few minutes to complete. All information is kept confidential, alongside your personal details as per the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) guide.
Step 4: Payment
Once you successfully complete the questionnaire, you will be directed to the online payment portal to pay for your certificate. This step is completed through a highly secure online payment system, with no card details retained.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate
Once your request is approved by our team, your certificate will be on its way! Just make sure you’ve provided the correct information and email address, and you can expect it to arrive in your inbox within a few minutes after payment.
Important Details to Check Before Submission
When applying for a leave certificate, paying close attention to certain details is crucial for a smooth process and to ensure the accuracy of your certificate. Here are some key things to double-check:
Spelling of Personal Details: Double-check the spelling of your full name and residential address carefully. Your leave certificate will include these details as you have entered them, and fixing any mistakes might require paying for a new certificate to be issued.
Email Address Accuracy: Your confirmation and the certificate will be sent to your email address. Make sure this is accurate and accessible. Providing the wrong email address will result in not receiving your certificate and essential updates about your application.
Date of Certificate Issue: Your certificate will show your requested date based on AEST timezone (Melbourne). If applying for a certificate outside of Victoria, please account for any time difference. This ensures that your certificate displays the correct date for your requirements, especially when applying around midnight or early morning.
FAQs
How quickly can I receive a sick leave or carer’s leave certificate after my request?
Once you’ve completed our online questionnaire and processed your payment, your request will start processing and if approved, you can receive the certificate in just minutes. This eliminates the need for time-consuming consultations, making it convenient for anyone who needs a quick sick leave or carer’s leave certificate immediately.
What information do I need to provide when requesting a certificate?
You have to fill out your basic information such as your name, address and date of birth. Then fill out a simple questionnaire that assesses your eligibility for a certificate.
Are there any fees associated with obtaining a sick leave or carer’s leave certificate?
Yes. A small fee of $12.99 is charged for our services to cover the processing and administration costs.
How do I follow up if there are issues with my certificate request?
You can email us at support@oncarehealth.com.au if you have any issues with your certificate request. Our customer support team will get back to you as soon as possible and assist you in resolving any problems.
What happens if my sick leave extends beyond the initial certificate period?
If your sick leave or carer’s leave goes beyond the period covered by your initial certificate, note that a certificate cannot be extended. However, if you need a new certificate for a different reason on the following day, you can simply complete the online form/questionnaire again to obtain a new certificate.
Can I request a certificate for preventative care or mental health reasons?
Yes, employees can take personal leave for stress or mental health-related conditions, specifically for minor ailments such as headaches, body aches, or mild insomnia, which may arise from work-related stress. However, for serious mental health concerns, employees are required to consult a doctor.
How do I ensure my privacy is protected when requesting a certificate online?
We take the privacy of our customers very seriously and have implemented measures to ensure that your personal information remains secure. Our online form/Questionnaire is protected to save your data from unauthorised access. We also adhere to strict privacy policies and regulations, to safeguard your personal information. Rest assured that any information provided through our online form/Questionnaire will only be used for the purpose of issuing a medical certificate and will not be shared with any third parties without your consent. You can read more in our privacy policy.
Helpful Links for Further Assistance
Customer Service Support: For direct assistance, please reach out to our dedicated support team by emailing us at support@oncarehealth.com.au
Understanding Your Leave Rights: Knowing your rights when taking leave is important. For comprehensive information about your legal rights and how to exercise them, visit the Fairwork Ombudsman website.
Carer’s Leave Information Page: Want to know more about when you can claim Carer’s Leave? Visit our dedicated Carer’s Leave Certificate page for more information.
