Question 1

How much is sick pay in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Sick pay (Krankengeld) amounts to 70% of your gross salary, but is capped at a maximum of 90% of your net salary. Additionally, it cannot exceed the health insurance contribution assessment ceiling (2026: EUR 181.23/day). After deductions for health and care insurance, the net sick pay typically amounts to about 55-65% of your previous net income.

Question 2

How long do I get continued pay from my employer?

Accepted Answer

Employees are entitled to 6 weeks (42 calendar days) of continued pay from their employer for the same illness. The prerequisite is at least 4 weeks of uninterrupted employment. For a new, different illness, the 6 weeks start fresh. If the same illness recurs within 12 months, the periods are added together.

Question 3

What happens after 6 weeks of illness?

Accepted Answer

After 6 weeks, continued pay from the employer ends and the health insurer takes over with sick pay (Krankengeld). This is lower than the regular salary and is paid for a maximum of 78 weeks (546 days) within a 3-year block period. Your employment relationship generally continues during this time.

Question 4

How is sick pay calculated?

Accepted Answer

The calculation follows three steps: 1) The standard earnings are determined (gross salary divided by 360, times 30). 2) Two caps are calculated: 70% of gross standard earnings and 90% of net standard earnings. 3) The gross sick pay is the lower of the two values, limited to the contribution assessment ceiling. Health and care insurance contributions are then deducted.

Question 5

What deductions are made from sick pay?

Accepted Answer

Health insurance contributions (half rate including supplementary contribution) and care insurance contributions (half rate, potentially with childless surcharge) are deducted from gross sick pay. Pension and unemployment insurance contributions are paid by the health insurer, not by the insured person. Sick pay is not subject to income tax but is subject to the progression proviso.

Question 6

What happens after 78 weeks of sick pay?

Accepted Answer

After 78 weeks, the sick pay entitlement ends (benefit exhaustion). The health insurer notifies the employment agency. Affected individuals should check: 1) Unemployment benefits during incapacity under Section 145 SGB III, 2) Disability pension application, 3) Gradual reintegration (Hamburg Model), 4) Rehabilitation application. Register with the employment agency at least 3 months before exhaustion.

Question 7

Do different illnesses count together?

Accepted Answer

No, for a new illness independent of the first one, a new entitlement to 6 weeks continued pay and up to 78 weeks sick pay arises. However, if the same illness recurs within 12 months, the periods are added together. For the block period (3 years), all sick pay periods for the same diagnosis are cumulated.

Question 8

Do part-time employees also receive sick pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, part-time employees are also entitled to sick pay, provided they have statutory health insurance (with sick pay entitlement). The calculation is based on the actual gross and net salary. Mini-jobbers (up to EUR 556/month) without their own GKV membership have no sick pay entitlement.

Question 9

What is the block period for sick pay?

Accepted Answer

The block period is a 3-year timeframe starting from the first sick pay day for a specific illness. Within these 3 years, a maximum of 78 weeks of sick pay can be paid for the same diagnosis. After the block period expires, a new entitlement arises, provided the insured person was gainfully employed or available to the labor market for at least 6 months in between.

Question 10

Can I be terminated while receiving sick pay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, illness does not automatically protect against termination. The employer can issue a sickness-related termination under certain conditions, such as frequent short-term illnesses or long-term illness with negative prognosis. However, the sick pay entitlement continues even after termination, as long as statutory health insurance membership continues.

Guide: Sick Pay Calculator

Sick Pay in Germany 2026: What Do I Get During Long-Term Illness?

Continued Pay: When Do I Lose My Right to 6 Weeks?

Sick Pay Calculation: How the Amount Is Determined Step by Step

Sick for 78 Weeks: What Comes After Sick Pay Ends?

Sick Pay and Termination: What Happens to My Entitlement?

Burnout and Sick Pay: What Affected Employees Need to Know