Who pays my sick leave and how many days does the employer cover?
It depends on the length: the employer covers the first 30 working days of a single absence, and ZZZS from the 31st working day onwards. This has applied since 1 January 2024; the figure of '20 days' still circulating is out of date. Pay during illness is at least 80% of the base at the employer's expense (Article 137 ZDR-1), and 100% for a work injury or occupational disease. Within the calendar year the employer covers a total of at most 120 working days. At the expense of ZZZS the percentage depends on the reason: for illness it is reduced by 10 percentage points for the first 90 days, lower still for an injury outside work, but 100% for a work injury, occupational disease and blood donation. Since 2024 the allowance may not exceed two and a half times the average gross wage, and may not be lower than 60% of the minimum wage. You claim sick leave through the electronic sick note (eBOL), which the doctor enters into the ZZZS system.
📋 The rules
- Since 1 January 2024 the employer covers, from its own funds, the first 30 working days of a single absence due to illness or an injury outside work, and from the 31st working day onwards the allowance is paid by ZZZS.
- Within the calendar year the employer covers a total of at most 120 working days; the figure of '20 days' still circulating does not apply.
- The rate at the employer's expense (Article 137 ZDR-1): at least 80% of the base for illness and an injury outside work, 100% for a work injury and occupational disease.
- At the expense of ZZZS the percentage depends on the reason; for the first 90 calendar days it is reduced by 10 percentage points for most reasons, but stays the same for a work injury, occupational disease, care and blood donation.
- Limits on the allowance: at most two and a half times the average gross wage in Slovenia (since 2024) and at least 60% of the minimum wage; it is claimed through the electronic sick note (eBOL).
🔓 Exceptions
- For a work injury and occupational disease the allowance is 100% of the base and is not reduced for the first 90 days — these absences are treated more favourably than ordinary illness.
- The allowance may not exceed two and a half times the last known average monthly gross wage in the country (in force since 2024), so for high salaries the upper part of income is capped.
- The allowance may not be lower than 60% of the minimum wage; for workers with a low base a statutory floor therefore applies, protecting them from an underpaid allowance.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
During sick leave there are rules whose breach has financial consequences for the worker: anyone who works during sick leave, travels without approval or fails to follow the doctor's instructions can lose the right to the allowance, and ZZZS carries out checks on the sick-leave record. For the employer, a delay in payment or an incorrect calculation of the allowance is an offence supervised by the Labour Inspectorate; the employer files refund claims against ZZZS electronically through the SPOT portal. During justified sick leave a worker may not be dismissed because of the illness itself, which protects them from losing the job while being treated. Since 2024 the burden of the first 30 working days falls entirely on the employer, so incorrect calculations are common, and it is worth the worker checking the percentage, the base, and whether the upper and lower limits of the allowance were applied.
📎 Official sources
- ZZZS · pay allowance during temporary absence from work →
- PISRS · statute register (Employment Relationships Act, Article 137) →
- gov.si · Ministry of Labour (rights from employment) →
❓ Frequently asked
How many days of sick leave does the employer cover?
Since 1 January 2024 the employer covers the first 30 working days of a single absence, and from the 31st working day onwards the allowance is paid by ZZZS. Within the calendar year the employer covers a total of at most 120 working days, and the '20 days' figure is out of date.
What percentage of pay do I get on sick leave?
At the employer's expense the allowance is at least 80% of the base for illness and an injury outside work, and 100% for a work injury or occupational disease. At the expense of ZZZS the percentage depends on the reason and is reduced by 10 percentage points for the first 90 days for most reasons.
Is the allowance capped at the top?
Yes. Since 2024 the allowance may not exceed two and a half times the last known average monthly gross wage in Slovenia. At the same time a floor applies, as the allowance may not be lower than 60% of the minimum wage, which protects workers with a low base.
What happens if I work or travel during sick leave?
During sick leave you must follow the doctor's instructions; working, travelling without approval or breaching the instructions can mean losing the right to the allowance. ZZZS carries out checks on the sick-leave record, and a proven abuse has financial and disciplinary consequences for the worker.
Can I be dismissed while on sick leave?
During justified sick leave a worker may not be dismissed because of the illness itself, which protects them during treatment. Dismissal on other lawful grounds remains possible, but the illness in itself is not a permitted reason to end the employment.
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