sueddeutsche.de
German Sick Pay: Rules, Eligibility, and Limitations
In Germany, employees receive sick pay from their health insurance after six weeks of employer-paid sick leave, covering 70 percent of their gross salary up to a daily maximum of €128.63 (2025), with specific eligibility criteria and a maximum duration of 78 weeks within three years.
- Who is eligible for German sick pay, and what are the specific requirements for claiming this benefit?
- Sick pay in Germany acts as wage replacement for those unable to work due to illness after the employer's six-week payment period. Eligibility depends on employment status; the self-employed need separate insurance. The system aims to provide financial security during extended illness but has limitations on duration and eligibility criteria.
- What is the German sick pay system and how does it impact employees after their employer's initial six-week coverage?
- In Germany, employees receive their full salary for the first six weeks of sick leave. Afterward, statutory health insurance covers 70 percent of their gross salary, up to a maximum of 90 percent of their net salary, as sick pay. This sick pay is capped at €128.63 per calendar day in 2025.
- What are the potential shortcomings of the German sick pay system, and how might these affect individuals and the broader economy in the long term?
- The German sick pay system, while providing crucial financial support, highlights potential challenges for the self-employed and those with complex health issues. Future improvements might include clearer communication, simplifying application processes, and potentially increasing the coverage percentage or duration.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is largely neutral and informative, presenting factual information about the process of obtaining sick pay. The headline and introduction clearly state the article's purpose. However, the emphasis on practical steps might unintentionally downplay the emotional and social challenges associated with long-term illness.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the process of receiving sick pay, neglecting potential biases in access to healthcare or the societal impact of long-term illness on different demographic groups. The article also doesn't discuss potential challenges faced by those whose employers might not be compliant with regulations.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between those who qualify for sick pay and those who don't, without fully exploring the nuances of borderline cases or the complexities of individual situations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses Krankengeld (sickness benefit) in Germany, a system that provides partial wage replacement for employees unable to work due to illness. This ensures a basic level of income security for workers during periods of sickness, supporting their economic well-being and preventing them from falling into poverty. The system directly contributes to decent work by protecting workers' livelihoods and reducing economic hardship caused by illness.