Sick Notes for Gig Workers in Ontario (Uber, DoorDash, Freelancers)
Gig workers in Ontario don't have traditional sick leave, but documentation still matters. Here's when and why you need a sick note.
## Sick Notes for Gig Workers in Ontario
If you're a gig worker, freelancer, or independent contractor in Ontario, you don't have traditional employer-provided sick leave. But medical documentation can still be valuable.
### When Gig Workers Need Sick Notes
**For clients/platforms:**
- Explaining missed deadlines to clients
- Documenting why you couldn't complete a contract
- Supporting a dispute if a platform penalizes you for cancellations
**For insurance:**
- Private disability insurance claims
- Income protection insurance
- Critical illness insurance claims
**For taxes:**
- Documenting medical expenses
- Supporting disability tax credit applications
- Justifying reduced income periods
**For EI (if eligible):**
- Some gig workers contribute to EI and may qualify for sickness benefits
- Requires a medical certificate
### The Ontario Gig Worker Reality
The Working for Workers Act has expanded some protections for gig workers, but:
- ESA sick days only cover **employees**, not independent contractors
- You bear the **full financial cost** of illness
- Platform penalties for low activity remain common
- You need to **plan ahead** with savings or insurance
### How MedLetter Helps Gig Workers
MedLetter provides documentation that can support insurance claims, explain missed client deadlines, and provide evidence for platform disputes.
**Get documentation — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**