How long is the entitlement to sickness benefit valid?
May 12, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Fred Schönecker
Dear lawyer,
My name is Lucas Ehrig and I have a question regarding sick pay in social security law. I have been on sick leave for some time and am receiving sick pay from my health insurance. Now I am worried about how long I will still be entitled to sick pay and if there is a possibility of extension.
My current situation is as follows: I have been on sick leave for three months and am receiving sick pay from my health insurance. My doctor has informed me that my illness might last longer and I will likely be on sick leave for more weeks. Since my job is at risk due to the illness, I am concerned about my financial security.
Therefore, my question to you is: How long is the usual entitlement to sick pay and is there a possibility of extension if the illness lasts longer than initially expected? What steps do I need to take to extend my entitlement to sick pay and how can I best prepare for it?
Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to your helpful information.
Sincerely,
Lucas Ehrig
Dear Mr. Ehrig,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding sickness benefit in social security law. It is understandable that you are concerned about your financial security, especially if your illness is expected to last longer. I am happy to provide you with detailed information on your issue.
Generally, there is a entitlement to sickness benefit for a maximum of 78 weeks within a period of three years. Sickness benefit payments begin after the sixth day of incapacity to work and usually amount to 70 percent of the regular gross salary. However, there are exceptions and special regulations that need to be taken into account on a case-by-case basis.
If your illness lasts longer than initially expected and you are still on sick leave, you can apply for an extension of sickness benefit. In most cases, you will need to provide your treating physician with a current certificate of incapacity to work confirming the continuation of the illness. You will then need to submit this certificate to your health insurance company to apply for an extension of sickness benefit.
It is important that you take care of the extension of sickness benefit in a timely manner and submit all necessary documents to your health insurance company by the deadline. If you are unsure about the steps you need to take to extend your entitlement to sickness benefit, I recommend seeking advice from a specialized lawyer in social security law. They can assist you with the application process and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to assist you further if you have any additional questions. I wish you all the best for your recovery and for your financial security.
Best regards,
Fred Schönecker
