Carer’s Leave vs Sick Leave: Key Differences Explained
Understanding Your Leave Entitlements in Australia When you’re balancing work with personal or family health issues, it’s essential to understand your rights. In Australia, the Fair Work Act 2009 outlines...
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Understanding Your Leave Entitlements in Australia
When you’re balancing work with personal or family health issues, it’s essential to understand your rights. In Australia, the Fair Work Act 2009 outlines different types of leave, including carer’s leave and sick leave. While both fall under personal leave, they serve different purposes and have distinct rules. Let’s break them down clearly.
What is Carer’s Leave?
Carer’s leave is a form of personal leave that allows an employee to take time off work to care for an immediate family or household member. This leave becomes relevant when someone close to you is sick, injured, or experiencing an unexpected emergency.
Who qualifies as an immediate family member?
- A spouse or de facto partner
- A child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling
- A similar relation through your spouse or partner
Entitlement under the National Employment Standards (NES):
- Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 10 days of paid personal/carer’s leave per year. This accrues progressively.
- Casual employees are entitled to 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave per instance.
- Unused carer’s leave rolls over from year to year.
What is Sick Leave?
Sick leave allows employees to take time off when they are personally unfit for work due to illness or injury. It is also classified as personal leave under the Fair Work Act.
Key points:
- Also referred to as personal illness leave
- Covers both physical and mental health conditions
- Employees are expected to notify their employer as soon as possible and may need to provide evidence
Like carer’s leave, sick leave entitles full-time and part-time employees to 10 days of paid leave per year, pro rata for part-time workers. It also accumulates year to year if unused.
Carer’s Leave vs Sick Leave: The Key Differences
- Purpose of Leave
Sick leave is for your own illness or injury, while carer’s leave is for looking after someone else who is unwell or facing an emergency. - Evidence Requirements
Both may require supporting documentation, such as:
- A medical certificate
- A statutory declaration
- Paid vs Unpaid Leave
Casual employees are only entitled to unpaid carer’s leave, while full-time and part-time employees get paid leave for both. - Unused Leave
Any unused sick and carer’s leave accrues and rolls over year to year. There is no cashing out unless permitted by an award or enterprise agreement.
How to Request Carer’s or Sick Leave
Step 1: Notify Your Employer
Let your manager know as soon as practicable. Provide a reason and estimated duration.
Step 2: Provide Evidence
Depending on your workplace policy, you might need:
- A medical certificate
- A statutory declaration confirming the circumstances
Step 3: Submit Through Payroll
Use your company’s HR or payroll system to lodge your leave request.
Online Medical Certificates for Sick or Carer’s Leave
In 2025, getting a medical certificate has never been easier. Thanks to telehealth services like TelehealthDr, you can get a certified document from an AHPRA-registered doctor without leaving your home.
Benefits of Using TelehealthDr:
- Fast video consultations (as little as 15 minutes)
- Certificates emailed directly to you
- Legal documents accepted by employers
- Available for single-day or multi-day leave
Whether you’re unfit for work or need time off to care for a loved one, our doctors can help you get the certificate you need promptly and professionally.
Ready to request your certificate? Book your online consultation with TelehealthDr today and receive your carer’s or sick certificate from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
Do you need a certificate for carer’s leave?
Yes, in most cases, especially for multiple days off. A medical certificate or statutory declaration is acceptable.
Do you get paid for carer’s leave?
If you’re a full-time or part-time employee, yes. Carer’s leave is paid and falls under personal leave.
How many carer’s leave days per year?
Full-time and part-time employees receive 10 paid days combined for sick and carer’s leave annually.
How many days of carer’s leave are you entitled to?
You can take it as needed, provided you have accrued leave. For casuals, it’s 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave per eligible occasion.
Final Thoughts
Carer’s leave and sick leave both play vital roles in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Understanding your rights ensures you can support yourself or your loved ones when it matters most.
Need to request leave today? Consult a registered doctor through TelehealthDr and receive your medical certificate online quickly, easily, and legally.