The number of self-reported sick leave cases surged at the start of this year, driven by respiratory viruses. In essence, the self-declaration of illness (ADD) is a document that verifies an individual’s sickness, personally declared under an oath of honor.
Who can request a self-declaration of illness? How?
The self-declaration of illness can be requested by any worker aged 16 years or older, as noted on the SNS24 portal.
It should be noted that the self-declaration must be requested within a maximum period of 5 days from the first day of illness-related absence.
For example, if an individual needs to prove an illness from Monday to Wednesday, they should request the self-declaration between Monday and Friday, explains the portal.
The self-declaration of illness can be requested:
- On the personal area of the SNS 24 portal: log in using Digital Mobile Key or Citizen Card or Health User Number
click on the menu “I need… Self-declaration of illness”
enter the start date of illness (day, month, year) > confirm the declaration of: terms and conditions; oath of honor; and personal data processing > click “Confirm”
review all details in the summary window and click “Confirm request” or “Close” to go back
after completing these steps, the self-declaration will be active - In the SNS 24 App: log in using Digital Mobile Key or Health User Number
access the “I need…” page and click on “Self-declaration”
click the “Request” button
enter the start date of illness (day, month, year) and click “Validate”
confirm the declaration of: terms and conditions; oath of honor; and personal data processing > click “Submit”
after completing these steps, the self-declaration will be active - If digital issuance is not possible, the self-declaration can also be requested via the SNS 24 Line (808242424).
Are work absence days with self-declaration paid?
No, with a self-declaration of illness, the absence is justified but not paid, according to SNS24.
Similar to the Temporary Incapacity Certificate issued by a doctor, commonly known as medical leave, for the first 3 days of illness-related absence, there is no salary payment by the employer.
In the first quarter of the year, nearly 158,000 self-declarations of illness were issued, a 33% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Nuno Rodrigues, a Public Health doctor and secretary-general of the Independent Union of Doctors, explained that the high transmission of respiratory viruses, such as the flu, during a harsh winter helps justify this increase.
