Do I get paid when I am sick in Sweden?
Yes — the employer pays sick pay when you are ill, but a waiting deduction is taken first. Sick pay is 80% of the pay you lose, days 1–14. At the start a waiting deduction of 20% of an average week's sick pay is taken, so the first sick day is effectively unpaid. A doctor's note is required from day 8 to the employer. From day 15 the Social Insurance Agency takes over with sickness benefit at about 80% up to a ceiling of 10 price base amounts (592,000 kr/year in 2026). The self-employed get no sick pay and go straight to sickness benefit.
📋 The rules
- The employer pays sick pay 80% days 1–14
- Waiting deduction: 20% of an average week's sick pay
- Doctor's note from day 8 to the employer
- From day 15: sickness benefit ~80% from the Agency
- 2026 ceiling: 10 price base amounts = 592,000 kr/year
🔓 Exceptions
- The self-employed get no sick pay — own waiting period, then benefit
- Collective agreements can top up above 80%
- High-risk protection can avoid repeated deductions for chronic illness
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If the employer fails to pay sick pay you can claim the amount plus damages, and the claim is enforceable. False sick notes or benefit fraud can lead to repayment and criminal suspicion.
📎 Official sources
- Social Insurance Agency · Sick pay →
- Social Insurance Agency · Waiting deduction →
- Sick Pay Act (1991:1047) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
How much sick pay do I get?
80% of the pay you lose days 1–14, after a waiting deduction is taken at the start.
What is the waiting deduction?
A deduction of 20% of an average week's sick pay, so the first sick day is effectively unpaid.
When must I provide a doctor's note?
From day 8 of the sick period you must give a doctor's note to the employer.
What happens after day 14?
The Social Insurance Agency takes over with sickness benefit at about 80%, up to the 592,000 kr/year ceiling.
Do the self-employed get sick pay?
No. The self-employed have their own waiting period and then receive sickness benefit directly from the Agency.
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