L4 for job burnout and depression - how not to lose benefits during a Social Security check?

15 May 2026

Professional burnout and depression are now some of the most common reasons for temporary incapacity. However, instead of focusing on their recovery, many people on L4 fear a restrictive check from the Social Security Administration. Can going for a walk or visiting a shop actually become grounds for withdrawing benefits? In this article, we look at what is allowed to a sick person on L4 and how to avoid losing benefits during a visit from a Social Security inspector.  

Exemption from psychiatrist a ZUS: „Sick can walk”.”

A key element of each e-Release is a numerical code that identifies the medical recommendation. For disease entities in the Fxx group (including depression, anxiety disorders, severe stress reaction), doctors most often enter the code „2”, meaning that the patient „can walk”.

Many insureds misinterpret this provision as a green light for full freedom. In reality, the code „2” merely means that the patient is not required to stay in the house or flat at all times. He or she can perform basic activities of daily living, such as:

• going to the pharmacy or grocery shop,
• seeing a doctor or psychologist/psychotherapist/psychiatrist; 
• a short walk that is part of recovery.

It is worth remembering that with depression or burnout, physical activity and contact with nature are often an integral part of the treatment process, recommended directly by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. 

L4 check for depression - what does the clerk check?

ZUS carries out two types of control: the ”adjudication” control (whether you are actually ill) and the 'utilisation' control (whether you are following instructions). With mental health leave, it is the latter control that is most controversial.

An official or an authorised employee of the payer of contributions shall check that the insured person does not use the L4 in a manner incompatible with its purpose.

A breach of the rules is considered to be:

1. Undertaking other gainful employment.
2. Carrying out renovation work or heavy domestic work.
3. A holiday of a leisure nature (unless it is a documented treatment trip).

Important: If the inspector does not find you at home, you have 3 working days to submit an explanation. If you have been out walking or in the pharmacy during this time, which is in line with the recommendations and code ,,2” your explanations should be taken into account. 

Does Social Security check social media on sick pay?

This is one of the most frequently typed questions on search engines and the answer is yes, Social Security is increasingly using evidence from social media. Article 68 of the Act on Cash Benefits from Social Insurance in the event of Sickness and Maternity gives the Social Insurance Institution the right to control the use of the exemption and to collect evidence in this control - in practice, this means that public content from the internet (social media) can constitute evidence and on the basis of this content ZUS may challenge the allowance.

Photos from a mountain trail, accounts of a lavish party or posts promoting one's own business while on sick leave are simple evidence for the pension authority of misuse of L4. 

Even if a doctor has advised a „change of environment”, publishing happy photos of an exotic holiday may be considered contrary to the purpose of the exemption, which is to return to full mental capacity.

How not to lose your allowance during an inspection? Practical tips

To avoid stress and the risk of losing benefits, it is worth following a few rules:

• Inform the Social Security of the change of residence: If you move to your family for the duration of your convalescence, for example, you are obliged to inform Social Security and your employer within 3 days.
• Document recommendations: If your psychiatrist has explicitly recommended walking or a therapeutic trip, ask for a note to this effect in your medical records.
• Exercise restraint in public activity: Avoid posting content online that may suggest that your condition allows for activities beyond the treatment process.

When is a trip during L4 allowed? Example

Criterion	Treatment trip (compatible with L4)	Holiday/vacation trip (risky/uncertain)
Main objective	Treatment, convalescence, climate change, rehabilitation, family care	Holidays, sightseeing, tourism, party, fun
Compliance with doctor's recommendations	The doctor does not forbid it, he may even recommend it (e.g. „a change of climate needed”, „peace and quiet for mental health”).	Doctor does not recommend, often contrary to condition (e.g. heavy luggage when fractured, beach when high fevers)
Activities during departure	Light rest, walking (when „can walk”), care, rehabilitation, climate therapy	Intensive sports, trekking, heavy toner, remote work, sightseeing 8 h/day, events
Impact on the treatment process	Does not hinder, can assist (shorter period of incapacity)	Can prolong illness, worsen condition
Notification to ZUS	Mandatory within 3 days (change of residence)	Often no notification → additional risk
Examples	Family trip with care, climatotherapy in the mountains for asthma, therapeutic trip for depression	Beach trip in Egypt with a cold, Baltic cruise with a broken leg, sightseeing in Rome 6 days

Frequently asked questions about L4 for depression and job burnout

Can you leave the house on L4 for depression?

Yes, if the release shows the code „2 - patient can walk”. This means being able to leave the place of residence to carry out basic activities of daily living and therapeutic recommendations, such as walking or medical appointments.

Can walking while on L4 be grounds for withdrawing benefits?

No, as long as the walk is in accordance with the doctor's recommendations and serves to improve health. For depression, physical activity is often part of treatment.

Can you go on a trip while on psychiatric leave?

Yes, but only if the trip is for treatment or to support convalescence. It is a good idea to have a doctor's confirmation for this and to report the change of location to the Social Security Office.

Are ZUS inspections announced?

No, a Social Security check is usually not announced in advance. It may take place suddenly, so it is advisable to follow your doctor's instructions during your L4 and be prepared for a possible visit by the inspector

How often does the Social Security check whether I am at home on L4?

ZUS does not carry out inspections according to a fixed schedule - they can be random or based on specific reasons, e.g. a long lay-off, frequent L4s or a signal from the employer. In practice, this means that an inspection can happen either once or several times during one leave. Therefore, it is advisable to follow your doctor's instructions throughout your L4 period and be prepared for a possible visit by a checker.

How many people on L4 are audited by ZUS?

ZUS does not control all people on sick leave. The scale of checks depends on the period, but according to ZUS data, 69.1 thousand checks on sick leave were carried out in the first half of 2025

What happens if the Social Security inspector does not find me at home?

You have 3 working days to submit an explanation. If your absence was justified (e.g. walking, pharmacy, therapy), it should not result in a loss of benefit.

Can Social Security check my social media during L4?

Yes. Social Security may use publicly available content as evidence in a case. Photos of events, holidays or work activities may be considered incompatible with the purpose of the exemption.

Can I work remotely while on L4 from depression?

No. Performing gainful employment while on sick leave is grounds for loss of entitlement to benefits, regardless of the form of work.

Do you have to inform the Social Security Administration of a change of residence?

Yes. If you change your place of residence during your L4, you are obliged to inform the Social Security and your employer within 3 days.

Is going out grocery shopping on L4 allowed?

Yes, they are treated as a basic life activity and do not violate the rules of exemption if they take place to a reasonable extent.

Can you go to the gym while on L4 for depression?

It depends on the doctor's recommendations. Light physical activity may be advisable, but intensive training may be challenged by the Social Security Administration.

How do I appeal against the decision of the Social Security to withdraw my benefit?

The decision of the ZUS can be appealed to the labour and social insurance court within 30 days of its delivery. It is advisable to seek the assistance of a lawyer.

Need help with a dispute with Social Security?

Checks on sick leave can often be highly subjective and decisions to withhold sickness benefits unfair. If the Social Insurance Institution has questioned your L4 for depression or professional burnout, you have the right to appeal the decision to the labour and social insurance court within 30 days of receiving it.

The Kuklewicz law firm offers professional support in cases against ZUS. We will help you prepare your arguments and defend your right to benefits.