What benefits am I entitled to in case of incapacity to work?
July 25, 2022 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Schröter
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Leon Gehrmann and I am currently unable to work due to a serious illness. I have been working in a company for several years and have never experienced such a situation before. My doctor has advised me to focus on my recovery and not to burden myself excessively with financial worries.
However, I am concerned about what benefits I am entitled to in case of incapacity for work. I have heard of sickness benefits, but I am unsure if this is enough to cover my living expenses. I also wonder if there are any additional benefits or support options that could help me during this difficult phase.
I am currently very uncertain and would like to know what specific benefits are available to me in case of incapacity for work. Are there additional financial aids or support services that I can access? How long can I receive sickness benefits and what are the requirements for that?
I would be very grateful if you could help me with this matter. It is important for me to clarify my financial situation so that I can fully focus on my recovery.
Sincerely,
Leon Gehrmann
Dear Mr. Gehrmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your inability to work and the benefits to which you are entitled. It is understandable that you are concerned about your financial security in this difficult situation. I would like to inform you in detail about the various benefits available to you in case of inability to work.
In your case, as you are unable to work due to a serious illness, you are generally entitled to sickness benefits. Sickness benefits are paid by your health insurance and usually amount to 70 percent of your average gross salary for the last three months. This benefit is paid for a maximum of 78 weeks within three years. It is important that you apply for sickness benefits from your health insurance in a timely manner in order to receive the benefit.
If sickness benefits are not sufficient to cover your living expenses, there is the possibility to apply for additional benefits such as Unemployment Benefit II (Hartz IV). However, certain requirements must be met, such as having no or only minimal savings or assets. A needs assessment will also be conducted to determine if you are eligible for this benefit.
Furthermore, in case of prolonged inability to work, you have the option to apply for a disability pension. This pension is paid if you are permanently disabled and unable to work for at least three hours a day. The requirements for a disability pension are stricter than for sickness benefits and require a thorough assessment of your work capacity.
In addition to financial benefits, there are also various support services available to you, such as rehabilitation measures or vocational reintegration. These measures are intended to help you recover and gradually manage your workday.
I recommend that you contact your health insurance in detail to explore all the options and benefits available to you. It is important that you stay well informed and utilize all support services to assist in your recovery during this challenging phase.
If you have any further questions or need assistance with the application process, I am here to help. I wish you a speedy recovery and am available for further consultation at any time.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Schröter
Attorney specializing in social insurance law
