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