A sick leave application gives the dates you will be away, says briefly that you are unwell, and mentions a doctor’s note if you have one. You do not need to share medical details. Choose employee, student or parent below and the letter is written for you.
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Most workplaces want a phone call or message on the first morning, before your shift starts. The written application then gives a record of the dates. Keep it short and factual. If you are off for longer, many employers ask for a doctor’s note after a set number of days; check your contract or staff handbook.
If you manage people or deadlines, say who is covering. It reassures your manager and means fewer calls while you are trying to rest.
Schools in India, Nigeria, Pakistan and many other countries expect a formal application addressed to the principal or class teacher, with a subject line and "Respected Sir/Madam". The student tool uses that format. Include your class and roll number so the office can find your record quickly.
Parents writing for a younger child should say who the child is, their class, the dates and that they will catch up on missed work. University students writing to a tutor can use the student option and add their course and matriculation or registration number.
Health information is private. The tool only puts in your letter what you type in the "Reason in your own words" box, and your draft is saved in your own browser (and in your account only if you sign in and choose to save it there). Use "Start over" to clear it on a shared computer.
Sick leave and sick pay rules vary by country, employer and school. This is general information, not legal or medical advice. Check your contract, handbook or school policy, and see a doctor if you are worried about your health.
Three for employees, three for school and university. Load any one into the tool and change the details.
Short notice, no medical detail, and a note on who is covering.
Sick leave request: Laura Bennett
Dear Mark,
I am writing to request sick leave from 5 October 2026 to 6 October 2026 (2 days). I am unwell and not fit to work.
While I am away, gemma has agreed to process the supplier payments due on Tuesday. I will keep you updated if anything changes.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,
Laura Bennett
Gives the dates on the fit note and keeps the reason general.
Sick leave request: Kevin Doyle
Dear Sandra,
I am writing to request sick leave from 5 October 2026 to 18 October 2026 (14 days). My GP has signed me off work for two weeks while I recover from a back injury.
I have attached a fit note from my doctor.
I will keep you updated if my return date changes, and I will catch up on anything urgent as soon as I am back.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,
Kevin Doyle
For a single day. You can copy the text straight into an email.
Sick leave request: Nadia Hassan
Dear James,
I am writing to request sick leave on 7 October 2026. I woke up with a migraine and cannot look at a screen today.
While I am away, i have moved my 2pm client call to Thursday and told the client. I will keep you updated if anything changes.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,
Nadia Hassan
The traditional school format used in India and many other countries.
Application for sick leave
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Aarav Sharma, a student of Class 8C, Roll No. 17. I request leave of absence from 6 October 2026 to 8 October 2026 (3 days). I have been suffering from a fever since Sunday night and the doctor has advised me to rest.
I will submit a medical certificate on return if required.
I will catch up on the work I miss. Kindly grant me leave for these days.
Yours obediently,
Aarav Sharma
Written by a parent; mentions catching up on missed work.
Application for sick leave
Dear Mrs Clarke,
I am writing to inform you that my daughter, Tomi Adebayo of Year 4, Maple Class, will be absent from Oakfield Primary School from 5 October 2026 to 6 October 2026 (2 days). Tomi has a stomach bug, and we are keeping her home for 48 hours as the school asks.
Tomi will catch up on any missed work. Kindly grant leave for these days.
Yours sincerely,
Funmi Adebayo
For a course tutor; asks for leave and promises to catch up.
Application for sick leave
Dear Dr Emeka Obi,
I am Ifeoma Chukwu, a student of 200 Level, Mass Communication (Matric. No. 22/MC/0415). I request leave of absence from 5 October 2026 to 9 October 2026 (5 days). I was admitted to the university health centre with malaria and have been told to rest for the week.
A medical certificate is attached.
I will catch up on the work I miss. Kindly grant me leave for these days.
Yours obediently,
Ifeoma Chukwu
Usually not. Saying you are unwell and not fit to work or attend is enough for most employers and schools. Share medical details only if you choose to, or if a policy asks for them. This tool never adds medical details: it only uses what you type.
It depends on your employer’s or school’s policy and local rules. In the UK, for example, employees can usually self-certify for up to seven days and need a fit note after that. Many schools and colleges ask for a medical certificate after a few days. Check your handbook. This is general information, not legal advice.
Often, yes. Follow your workplace’s usual way of reporting absence, which is often a phone call to your manager first. Use "Copy as text" to paste the letter into an email or message, or attach the PDF.
Before, or on the first morning, if you can. If you were too unwell, send it as soon as you are able, and change the wording to past tense ("I was unwell from... to...") using the "Edit the letter text" button.
Yes. Choose "Parent for a child" in the form. The letter is written in your name and mentions your child’s name and class.
Yes. Fill it in, download the PDF or copy the text, all free, with no watermark, and you just need a free account to download.