What is Sick Pay and who is entitled to it? 

Sickness benefit is a social security benefit paid to INSS insured people who, due to illness or accident, are unable to work for more than 15 consecutive days. The benefit is paid from the 16th day of absence. To be entitled to Sickness Benefit, the worker must meet the following requirements: 

• Be contributing to the Social Security system; 
• Proof of incapacity through an INSS medical examination; 
• Have fulfilled the minimum waiting period of 12 monthly contributions in cases of common illness. 

How does MEI sick pay work? 

Individual micro-entrepreneurs are also entitled to sickness benefit, as long as they are up to date with their monthly contributions. The amount of the benefit is calculated based on the average of the last 12 contributions, and the period of absence is determined by the INSS medical expert. 

Step by step to apply for sickness benefit without leaving home 

Thanks to the digitalization of public services, MEIs can apply for sickness benefit completely online. Below, we detail the step-by-step process for applying:

Access My INSS

The platform My INSS is the official portal for accessing INSS services. To access it, follow the steps: 

• Visit the official Meu INSS website or download the app available for Android and iOS. 
• Log in with your CPF and password. If you haven't registered yet, you can do so immediately.

Apply for sickness benefit

After accessing My INSS, follow these steps: 

• In the main menu, click on "Appointments/Requests". 
• Select the "New Application" option. 
• Choose the "Disability Benefits" option. 
• Click on "Auxílio Doença" and then on "Solicitar".

Attach the necessary documents

To proceed with the application, you need to attach some documents. Make sure you have them to hand: 

• Identification document with photo (RG or CNH); 
• CPF; 
• Medical certificate proving incapacity for work, containing information on the disease, ICD (International Code of Diseases), and the estimated period of leave.

Schedule the medical examination

After applying, the next step is to schedule a medical examination. This stage is essential for the INSS to confirm your incapacity for work. In Meu INSS, you can choose the date and place for the medical examination.

Follow the progress of the process

Once you've scheduled your medical examination and sent in all the necessary documents, you can follow the progress of your case via Meu INSS. The platform allows you to see the status of your application in real time, from the analysis of the documents to the final decision.

Undertake the medical examination

Go to the medical examination on the scheduled day and time. During the appointment, the INSS expert will assess the documentation and the applicant's state of health in order to determine whether the benefit should be granted.

Result of the request

After the examination, the result will be published on Meu INSS. If the benefit is granted, payment will be made to the bank account informed during the application process. 

Important tips for getting your sick pay approved 

To increase your chances of being approved for sickness benefit, it is essential to follow a few tips: 

• Keep contributions up to dateRegular payment of monthly contributions is essential for entitlement to social security benefits. 
• Update your INSS data: Make sure that all your registration information is correct and up to date. 
• Have a good medical certificate: The medical certificate must be clear and detailed, containing all the necessary information about the incapacity for work. 
• Follow the process: Use the My INSS platform to follow the progress of your application and check if there are any pending issues or additional documents to be sent. 

Conclusion 

Applying for Sickness Benefit as an MEI is a process that can be carried out practically and completely online. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you ensure that your application is made correctly, increasing your chances of obtaining the benefit. Remember to keep your contributions up to date and follow the process through Meu INSS.