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Sickness Benefit in Germany: Who can receive it and how?
Sickness benefit (Krankengeld) in Germany offers financial support for employees who are unable to perform their professional duties due to illness. In this article, we will look at who is entitled to sickness benefit, how to apply for it, and what steps are required for a successful application.
Who can receive Sickness Benefit?
To receive sickness benefit in Germany, the following requirements must be met:
Health Insurance:
The employee must be insured in the statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung).
Illness:
The employee must be temporarily unable to work for medical reasons.
Duration of the Illness:
Sickness benefit is paid from the 7th day of illness, after the employer has paid continued remuneration (Entgeltfortzahlung) for six weeks.
How to receive Sickness Benefit?
The process for applying for sickness benefit involves several steps:
Medical Certificate:
The employee must obtain a medical certificate confirming the temporary inability to work.
Information of the Employer:
The employee must inform the employer in good time about the illness and submit the medical certificate.
Application to the Health Insurance Fund:
The employee applies to his or her health insurance fund (Krankenkasse) for sickness benefit and submits the medical certificate.
Examination of the Application:
The health insurance fund examines the application and decides on the payment of sickness benefit.
Payment:
The sickness benefit is transferred directly to the employee’s bank account.
Important Tips
- Timely Submission of Documents
The employee should submit all required documents on time to avoid delays in payment. - Regular Update of Medical Certificates
In the event of a prolonged illness, new medical certificates must be submitted regularly to the health insurance fund. - Legal Advice
In the event of rejection of sickness benefit payment, it is advisable to contact a lawyer specializing in social law.
The sickness benefit in Germany is an important support for employees who are temporarily unable to work for health reasons. Find out who is entitled to sickness benefit, how to submit the application correctly and which documents are required. Our article provides all the necessary information and tips for a successful application. Stay informed about current legal changes and seek advice on our website.