How long do I get continued pay from my employer?

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.

What happens after 6 weeks of illness?

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.

How is sick pay calculated?

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.

What deductions are made from sick pay?

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.

What happens after 78 weeks of sick pay?

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.

Do different illnesses count together?

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.

Do part-time employees also receive sick pay?

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.

What is the block period for sick pay?

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.

Can I be terminated while receiving sick pay?

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.

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

Understanding the Sick Pay Formula

The calculation of German sick pay (Krankengeld) follows a clear, legally prescribed formula. Nevertheless, many insured persons find it difficult to follow because several caps and deductions interact. In this article, we explain the calculation step by step with concrete numerical examples for different salary levels.

The basis for the calculation is Section 47 SGB V (Social Code Book V), which defines the amount of sick pay. Sick pay equals 70 percent of the contribution-liable earnings (standard earnings), but must not exceed 90 percent of the net earnings. Additionally, sick pay is limited by the health insurance contribution assessment ceiling.

Step 1: Determine Standard Earnings (Regelentgelt)

The standard earnings are the starting point for the sick pay calculation. They are calculated based on the last payroll month before the start of incapacity. The gross monthly salary is divided by 30 (standardized 30-day month) to obtain the daily standard earnings. Alternatively: gross annual salary divided by 360.

Standard earnings include: regular base salary, regular allowances (shift premiums, function premiums), proportional Christmas and holiday bonus (if paid regularly), and employer contributions to capital-forming benefits. Not included are: one-time special payments, irregular overtime, and expense allowances.

Example: With a gross monthly salary of EUR 4,000, the daily gross standard earnings are 4,000 / 30 = EUR 133.33. The monthly gross standard earnings (for clear presentation) remain at EUR 4,000.

Step 2: Calculate the Two Caps

Cap 1: 70 Percent of Gross Standard Earnings

This calculation is straightforward: 70 percent of the daily gross standard earnings. In our example: EUR 133.33 x 0.70 = EUR 93.33 daily, or EUR 2,800 monthly.

Cap 2: 90 Percent of Net Standard Earnings

The net standard earnings are calculated analogously: net monthly salary divided by 30. With a net salary of EUR 2,600: 2,600 / 30 = EUR 86.67 daily. 90 percent: EUR 86.67 x 0.90 = EUR 78.00 daily, or EUR 2,340 monthly.

Cap 3: Contribution Assessment Ceiling

The daily sick pay must not exceed the daily contribution assessment ceiling for health insurance. In 2026, this is EUR 66,150 annually, or 66,150 / 365 = EUR 181.23 daily. This cap is only relevant for very high salaries (above approximately EUR 7,800 gross monthly).

Step 3: Determine Gross Sick Pay

The gross sick pay is the lowest of the three values. In our example: 70% of gross (EUR 2,800), 90% of net (EUR 2,340), assessment ceiling (not relevant). The gross sick pay is therefore EUR 2,340 — the 90-percent net cap is the limiting factor in most cases.

Step 4: Deduct Social Insurance Contributions

Two contributions are deducted from gross sick pay. Health insurance: half of the general rate (14.6% / 2 = 7.3%) plus half of the fund-specific supplementary rate (e.g., 1.7% / 2 = 0.85%). Total HI: 8.15%. In our example: EUR 2,340 x 0.0815 = EUR 190.71.

Care insurance: half of the general rate (3.6% / 2 = 1.8%). Childless individuals over 23 pay a surcharge of 0.6 percentage points (to 2.4%). For parents: a discount of 0.25 percentage points per child from the second child (up to 4 children). For a childless 40-year-old: EUR 2,340 x 0.024 = EUR 56.16.

Total deductions: EUR 190.71 + EUR 56.16 = EUR 246.87. Net sick pay: EUR 2,340 - EUR 246.87 = EUR 2,093.13. Compared to the regular net salary of EUR 2,600, the monthly loss is EUR 506.87.

Important: No Income Tax on Sick Pay

Sick pay is tax-free, meaning no income tax is levied on it. However, sick pay is subject to the so-called progression proviso (Progressionsvorbehalt). This means sick pay is considered when calculating the tax rate for other income. If you worked part of the year and received sick pay for the rest, you must report the sick pay in your tax return. It increases your personal tax rate but not the tax base.

Example Calculations for Different Salaries

Lower earner: EUR 2,000 gross, EUR 1,500 net

70% of gross: EUR 1,400. 90% of net: EUR 1,350. Gross sick pay: EUR 1,350. Deductions (HI + CI): approx. EUR 142. Net sick pay: approx. EUR 1,208. Loss: EUR 292/month.

Average earner: EUR 3,500 gross, EUR 2,300 net

70% of gross: EUR 2,450. 90% of net: EUR 2,070. Gross sick pay: EUR 2,070. Deductions (HI + CI): approx. EUR 218. Net sick pay: approx. EUR 1,852. Loss: EUR 448/month.

Higher earner: EUR 5,500 gross, EUR 3,400 net

70% of gross: EUR 3,850. 90% of net: EUR 3,060. Ceiling: EUR 5,437 (not binding). Gross sick pay: EUR 3,060. Deductions: approx. EUR 322. Net sick pay: approx. EUR 2,738. Loss: EUR 662/month.

Key Takeaway

The sick pay calculation follows a clear pattern that can be computed instantly with our calculator. The critical factor in most cases is the 90-percent net cap, which limits sick pay more than the 70-percent gross rule. Only at very high salaries does the contribution assessment ceiling become relevant. Plan your financial margin carefully, especially if a longer illness is foreseeable.