The procedure of sickness benefits changes in July

The law amendments that concern compensation for days spent on sick leave enter into force on July 1st. The main change is that employees will not be paid compensation for the first three days on sick leave and compensation for the subsequent five days is paid by the employer. Compensation for days spent on sick leave will be paid by the Health Insurance Fund from the ninth day.

The new procedure does not bring any changes for parents staying at home with sick children. Parents will be paid 100% of their income for the previous year that was subject to social tax and compensation will be paid to them from the first day (when staying at home with a child up to 12 years of age).

The initial plan was to introduce the changes from 1 April, but as they require information system developments and new IT solutions from the Health Insurance Fund and employers then the new procedure will enter into force in July.

The law amendment helps to save 700 million kroons a year with the obligation of the Health Insurance Fund started from the ninth day instead of the current second day. 350 million kroons will be saved this year because the amendment will enter into force on 1 July 2009.

Eli Lilles
Press Officer
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+372 56 988 110
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