Sick leave and inability to work
Being unable to work means you are sick or injured and cannot perform your job. This could be the case, for example, with fever, severe pain, or after an accident.
Whether you are unable to work is always decided by a doctor. You will then receive a sick note (AU). It states how long you are expected to be unable to work. This certificate is important for your employer, your health insurance, and your financial security.
How to report sick leave
If you are sick, you must inform your employer immediately. It is best to call briefly and let them know that you are sick and how long you are expected to be absent.
In many cases, sick leave is handled digitally today via the so-called eAU. The doctor's office transmits the data directly to the health insurance company, and your employer retrieves it from there. However, you must always report sick to your employer yourself. The exact deadlines may vary depending on the company or employment contract.
Your illness remains private
Your health information is part of your private sphere. You are not required to tell your employer what illness you have.
It is sufficient to inform them that you are sick and how long you are expected to be absent. You do not need to provide further details.
What the illness means for your job
Even if you are sick, your employment relationship continues. You remain employed, and your contract continues unchanged.
However, during this time you have certain obligations. You must report sick correctly, actively work on your recovery, and avoid anything that could delay your health. If you comply with this, you generally do not need to worry about your job.
Your salary during illness
If you are sick and unable to work, you will continue to receive your salary for the first period.
This means:
- Your employer pays for up to 6 weeks
- You must have been employed in the company for at least 4 weeks
- The illness must not be self-inflicted
This is called continued payment of wages in case of illness.
If you are sick for longer, your health insurance will take over the payment.
Money from the health insurance company
If you are sick for longer, you will receive sick pay from your health insurance company.
The most important points:
- from the 7th week of illness
- around 70% of your gross salary
- with a maximum amount
- a maximum of 78 weeks within 3 years
It is important that your sick notes are continuous. Submit all documents on time.
Sick during vacation
If you fall ill during your vacation, you do not lose those vacation days. However, there are certain conditions that must be met.
You must report sick to your employer immediately, see a doctor, and obtain a medical certificate. Only the days on which you are demonstrably ill are not counted as vacation. You can make up these days later.
If your child is sick
If your child is sick, you are allowed to stay home to care for them.
This applies:
- 15 days per child and parent per year
- a maximum of 35 days in total
- Single parents: 30 days per child
During this time, you will receive child sickness benefit.
The prerequisite is that a doctor confirms that your child is sick and needs care. In addition, no other person must be able to provide care.
Since 2024: If your child is in hospital and you are present, there are often additional entitlements.