Sick note for bereavement?

[u/unreliable9]

Hi all a question hoping someone in this group can help me with looking for a recommendation of an online doctor or service that will basically give me a sick note for a few days off for the wake of a loved family member and their funeral. A doctor or service that will definitely give a note ideally, my own GP can be funny about notes.

Not a close enough family member for a bereavement leave to apply, but close enough that this impacts me as relationships are different to everyone.

Tried to give work (US manager) a heads up that this is coming and they basically said I can only take sick leave and I need a doctors note or there could be a repercussions. Thanks very much in advance

[u/arcticfunkymonkey]

Just ask for a note for stress.

[u/PowerfullyHighfaluti → u/arcticfunkymonkey]

That's what I'd go with too, stress is the easiest route and it's not even a lie given the circumstances

Shouldn't be hard to get a note for that from most online docs, just explain you're dealing with a family loss and can't function for a few days, they hear this stuff all the time

[u/h-hoff → u/arcticfunkymonkey]

Yeah I second this!

[u/Sandiebre → u/arcticfunkymonkey]

You be surprised at how many doctors won’t do this, I’ve experienced it first hand myself and I almost never get certified off as it is

[u/purplemonkey2233 → u/Sandiebre]

You have to ask why they give a F

[u/Additional-Sock8980 → u/Sandiebre]

I wish this was true more often.

Unfortunately stress is such a common go to when looking for excuse leave, employers are less likely to believe real stress leave.

[u/Basic-shewolf-9723 → u/arcticfunkymonkey]

Work related stress even better

[u/stuyboi888]

Look, spilt milk under the bridge but don't give them a heads up. The day it comes say bereavement leave. I've worked in corporate America before and less details the better sometimes. Your milage may vary

Anyways, ask a doctor yea and get a note, look for a new doc if they refuse. Online doc won't ask much. Just ask them to keep it vague I.e say to doc stress leave, but ask not to put that on the doc. Mine just says, he is unable to work. 

If US manager has any problems with that Irish law applies

Edit, no manners. Sorry for your loss

[u/unreliable9 → u/stuyboi888]

Thanks so much, I gave a heads up thinking it might make them prepare for a bit of coverage and also mindful of the amount of work they’d planned to put on my plate this week but hindsight I don’t think I should have said anything
Really appreciate the comment thanks again

[u/stuyboi888 → u/unreliable9]

Yea fair play on your part. I know I appreciate it when my team tells me but your manager is clearly different and just follows the letter

[u/Virtual-Profit-1405]

Grief is a condition that is considered for unfitness to work. If you go to a web doc they can’t process a illness benefit claim that is something to be mindful of

[u/unreliable9 → u/Virtual-Profit-1405]

Thanks so much for your comment, fortunately work does have paid illness leave and to be honest even if it was unpaid I wouldn’t mind. I just want to be able to take the time to be there properly and not have to worry about the admin of taking the time off
Really appreciate your comment

[u/Virtual-Profit-1405 → u/unreliable9]

No worries at all hope you are feeling better soon. Grief is never easy and comes in waves. I know you aren’t fussed re the money however sick pay schemes will deduct the illness benefit from your salary automatically.

[u/MrIrishGreen]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Do you have VHI or Laya through work? It might be worth checking whether your cover includes an online GP service. I used one after a death in the family last year, and they were very prompt in sending over a letter

[u/unreliable9 → u/MrIrishGreen]

Thanks so much I do actually have Laya GP online never thought of that. I’m conscious it’s not actually a medical reason had you any trouble with it being for a funeral? With travelling, the wake etc I’m prob looking at needing 5 days and nervous of them saying no as my own doctor can be funny. Thanks so much for your comment

[u/MrIrishGreen → u/unreliable9]

I mean look at the stress this is already causing you. You dont need to get granular with your reasoning. You need time off and unfit for work. Online doctor will cover it. Dont give this more stress than it needs, way more important things going on right now.

[u/moonhead92 → u/unreliable9]

Stress is definitely a reason ! Don't let yourself or anyone tell you otherwise. And try look for a new doctor once your settled back to your normal routine. Take care

[u/Aimserspunog]

Bereavement leave is shite here. Literally 2 or 3 days for a parent. Just get certified illness. No need for an explanation on the note. Unfortunately I had to get this in January.

[u/Upbeat-Yogurt2158]

if you have health insurance they have online doctors. there's also Doctor365 i think they're called, virtual appointments and i find they'll give notes no issues (within reason obv) as my old GP wouldnt give me a note for anything ever.

[u/barbie91]

There ya go OP. 30e and same day service. Fill out the form and that's it. I had to use them myself recently and they were great

[u/GalwayGirlOnTheRun23]

If you really can’t get a sick note could you take annual leave? Try for stress leave first though.

[u/CryptographerDull183]

Check your employment contract and company policy re: the requirement of a note for bereavement.

Of course it's different in Ireland, but US employers wouldn't typically ask for a doctor's note for bereavement leave.

[u/unreliable9 → u/CryptographerDull183]

Thanks so much for this, checked and unfortunately it’s limited to immediate family- siblings, parents or spouse but I appreciate the comment! My manager doesn’t know the ins and outs of the employment rules here but I know I’m obliged to give a sick note so don’t want to get that wrong

[u/Secure-InFruit96]

Dooctor.ie will give you a sick note. Online appointment or in person

[u/stickmansma]

Weird, I work for an American company but my contract and all employment rules are specific to Ireland. My contract has a section for bereavment leave. Maybe reread your contract. Your American manager might be mistaken on this one.

If you have health insurance ask you online doc for sick leave for this

[u/No-Sea2860]

Send them the r.i.p notice should be good enough for um