What is the Sick leave policy in Dominican Republic?

Employees in the Dominican Republic who are affiliated with the Social Security System (SFS) are entitled to medical leave benefits in case of common, non-occupational illnesses that prevent them from working.

Entitlement

Employees are eligible for sickness benefits if:

• They are registered with the Dominican Social Security System (SFS).
• They suffer from a common illness (not work-related) that causes work incapacity for more than 3 days.

Legal Framework

• Article 227 of the Labor Code: Employers must pay the full salary for the first 3 days of incapacity due to a common illness.
• Law 87-01: From the 4th day onward, sickness benefits are covered by the employee’s health insurance, regulated by the Superintendence of Health and Labor Risks (SISALRIL).

Payment & Duration

• Duration: Benefits are paid from the 4th day of incapacity, for up to 26 weeks.
• Eligibility: The employee must have contributed to the system during the 12 months prior to the illness.
• Benefit Amounts:
  • Outpatient care: 60% of the average contributory salary over the last 6 months.
  • Hospitalization: 40% of the average contributory salary.

Required Documentation

To apply for sickness benefits, employees must:

1. Be diagnosed with a common illness by a licensed doctor.
2. Ensure the illness causes work disability for more than 3 days.
3. Follow the procedures outlined in SISALRIL Resolution 172-2009, which governs the delivery of sickness benefits.