Sick pay in Sweden: reporting illness and applying for benefit

Who this guide is for

This guide covers employees who cannot work because they are ill. It explains employer sick pay (sjuklön) and the later application for sickness benefit (sjukpenning).

Tell your employer on the first day you stay home sick. The employer normally pays sick pay for up to 14 calendar days. If you remain ill, apply separately to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) for sickness benefit.

Report your illness first

Your employer assesses whether illness reduces your ability to work and whether you qualify for sick pay.

Normally, sick pay does not cover time before you report the illness. An exception applies if you could not report it. You must then report as soon as that obstacle ends.

The sick-pay period starts when illness makes you miss work you should have done. Once the period starts, weekends and other days off also count towards its 14 calendar days.

You must also give your employer a written declaration about your illness and reduced ability to work. The employer need not pay sick pay before receiving it.

How much does the employer pay?

Sick pay is normally 80% of the wages and employment benefits lost because of illness, before a deduction.

The qualifying deduction (karensavdrag) normally equals 20% of an average week’s sick pay. It is not 20% of your normal weekly salary.

Verksamt’s sick-pay guidance explains that the deduction may need to continue beyond the first sick day. The deduction cannot exceed the sick pay for that period.

A collective agreement can set the detailed calculation. Special protection can also affect deductions. Ask your employer which rules apply to your employment.

When do I need a certificate?

You normally need a medical certificate from day eight if you remain ill. A doctor or dentist must issue it. A nurse’s certificate is not enough for employer sick pay.

Under the general rule, the employer’s certificate need not state your diagnosis. It must show why your ability to work is reduced.

Earlier certificates can be required in special cases, and collective agreements can set different rules. Försäkringskassan’s employer guidance explains these exceptions.

A certificate supports the employer’s assessment. It does not automatically give you a right to sick pay.

Apply for benefit after the employer period

Your employer should report your sickness to Försäkringskassan on day 15, and must do so by day 21. You can then apply for sickness benefit through My pages (Mina sidor).

Check that your employer has reported you and that Försäkringskassan has your medical certificate. The agency’s employee guide explains both checks.

For sickness benefit, illness must reduce your ability to work by at least one quarter. You must lose income, have sickness benefit qualifying income (SGI) and be insured in Sweden.

Försäkringskassan decides whether you qualify. The agency handles most cases within 30 days. It says a decision can take up to 70 days, for example when your income needs investigation.

What if my employment is short or I become ill again?

A contract shorter than one month has a special qualification rule for employer sick pay. Normally, you must have started work and been employed for 14 consecutive calendar days. Earlier employment with the same employer can sometimes count.

Hourly pay does not by itself mean you have no right to sick pay. If you have no employer sick pay, report directly to Försäkringskassan on your first sick day.

Becoming ill again within five calendar days can link sickness periods. The route also differs after you have received sickness benefit. Check with your employer or Försäkringskassan rather than assuming a new employer period starts.

Where to get help

Ask your employer about sick pay and your collective agreement. For sickness-benefit questions, call Försäkringskassan on 0771-524 524. Its employee information page lists customer-centre details.