In fresh months, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) has conducted a evidence number of medical dismissal checks, which raises large interest and concerns among Poles. The increase in the number of checks carried out by 20% compared to the erstwhile year, and the amounts of suspended and reduced benefits, indicate crucial changes in the ZUS approach to monitoring exemptions.
ZUS Control Statistics
- Number of checks: In the first half of 2024 ZUS carried out 260,8 1000 checks.
- Discontinued Allowances: 18.6 1000 decisions suspending payment of sickness benefits, which means PLN 23.9 million.
- Reduced Benefits: The full amount of reduced and withdrawn benefits amounted to almost PLN 117.5 million.
By comparison, in the first half of 2023 the number of checks was almost 223 thousand, and the amount of suspended allowances was halved.
What do Poles do at the Medical Exemptions?
ZUS checks uncover worrying cases of abuse. Here are any examples of fresh months:
- Class trips: A female on leave due to illness took care of a kid on a school trip.
- Shows in restaurants: A individual on release due to depression sang in food restaurants, explaining it with “treatment”.
- Manual work: A carpenter with a broken hand was caught hebling the splat, which he justified as part of rehabilitation.
- Rent an apartment: A man who was on leave tried to rent an apartment, claiming he wouldn't be back for a fewer months.
Innovation in ZUS Controls
Artificial Intelligence in Action
ZUS not only increased the number of inspections, but besides introduced modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to monitor medical exemptions more effectively. The strategy uses algorithms to process immense amounts of data, identifying cases that may require detailed analysis.
Beata Kopczyńska, ZUS press secretary in the Silesian Voivodeship, explains: “Artificial intelligence helps us to identify risky cases effectively. The strategy is capable of catching people who are frequently on layoffs with different doctors, allowing for more deliberate checks."
Future of ZUS Control
Reform and its Impact
The planned reform, aimed at introducing 100% of the wage on sick leave, may further increase the number of checks. The Minister of household and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, announced that the improvement would affect even more effective monitoring of redundancies. "The control strategy should be sealed, but we must besides avoid situations that could motivate workers to abuse", the Minister emphasises.
What should you know?
How to Prepare for Control
- Documentation: Make certain you have complete medical records and any evidence to justify your medical release.
- Follow the Rules: Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid actions that may be interpreted as an abuse of dismissal.
- Knowledge of the Rights: Take a look at medical exemptions and checks to be well prepared for possible checks.
What if your release is challenged?
- Complaint: You can file a complaint with ZUS if you think the check was carried out incorrectly.
- Consult the Expert: If in doubt, consult a lawyer specialising in labour law and social security.
The avalanche of inspections carried out by ZUS reflects the expanding tension associated with abuses of medical dismissals. Modern technologies, specified as artificial intelligence, and the announced reforms, can further strengthen supervision of exemptions. It is so worth being well prepared for possible checks and knowing your rights to avoid problems and unnecessary complications.
Continued here:
ZUS Control Avalanche: Poles Must Give Millions
