What is a Carer’s Certificate and When Do I Need It?
Balancing work and family responsibilities can sometimes be challenging, especially if a loved one falls ill or needs support. In Australia, employees have the right to take carer’s leave to look after a family or household member who is unwell or injured. Often, employers will request evidence of this leave—and that’s where a Carer’s Certificate comes in.
This article explains what a Carer’s Certificate is, when you might need one, and how it differs from a standard medical certificate.
What Is a Carer’s Certificate?
A Carer’s Certificate is a document issued by a registered health professional, such as a doctor, confirming that you need to take time off work to care for someone who is unwell, injured, or requires support.
It serves as formal evidence to your employer that your absence is genuine and falls under the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009, which allows employees to access paid or unpaid carer’s leave.
While it looks similar to a regular medical certificate, the key difference is that it relates to the health of the person you are caring for—not your own.
Why Do You Need a Carer’s Certificate?
You may be asked to provide a Carer’s Certificate if:
- You are taking carer’s leave to look after a sick or injured family member.
- Your employer requires evidence for any absence beyond a certain number of days.
- You need to show that your absence complies with workplace policies or legal entitlements.
Even if your employer doesn’t always ask for one, having a certificate helps ensure your leave is properly documented and protected.
Who Can You Take Carer’s Leave For?
Carer’s leave applies to situations where you need to support:
- Your child, partner, or spouse.
- Parents, grandparents, or siblings.
- Step-relatives or de facto family members.
- Any member of your household who depends on you for care.
Essentially, if the person is considered an immediate family or household member, you may be entitled to carer’s leave with supporting documentation.
Carer’s Certificate vs. Medical Certificate
While both documents serve as evidence for leave, they are used in different circumstances:
- Medical Certificate – confirms that you are unfit to work due to illness or injury.
- Carer’s Certificate – confirms that someone else needs care, and you are required to provide it.
FAQs
Q1. Do I always need a certificate for carer’s leave?
Not always. Some workplaces only require it for absences longer than one or two days, but employers are legally allowed to request it for any length of leave.
Q2. Can I use a statutory declaration instead?
Yes, in some cases. A statutory declaration can be used as evidence if a medical or carer’s certificate is not available, but check with your employer first.
Q3. How many days can I take as carer’s leave?
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, full-time employees generally receive 10 days of paid personal/carer’s leave each year, which also covers sick leave. Casual employees are entitled to unpaid carer’s leave.
Final Thoughts
A Carer’s Certificate provides peace of mind for both employees and employers by formally documenting the need for carer’s leave. Whether it’s to look after a sick child, a parent recovering from surgery, or another dependent, this certificate helps you balance your work commitments with your caring responsibilities.
If you need one, you can easily request it from your GP or an online doctor service to ensure your leave is properly supported. You can also book a consultation through Instant Consult, where an Australian-registered doctor can issue a Carer’s Certificate via telehealth, without the need of leaving your house!
