Who pays my sick leave, and how much?
The first 2 days your employer, then the NSSI. For ordinary illness the employer pays the first 2 working days at 70% of your average daily gross pay — since 2024 that period was cut from 3 days to 2. From the third working day the benefit is paid by the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) at 80% of your average daily insurable income over the last 18 calendar months — the base is your insurable income, not your last salary, which often produces less than people expect. For a work accident or occupational disease the NSSI pays 90% from the first day, with no employer share. To receive an NSSI benefit you need at least 6 months of insurance record.
📋 The rules
- First 2 working days: the employer pays 70%
- From day 3: the NSSI pays 80%
- The NSSI base is your insurable income over 18 months
- Work accident: the NSSI pays 90% from day one
- You need at least 6 months of insurance record
🔓 Exceptions
- For work accidents and occupational disease there is no 2-day employer period
- Without 6 months of insurance record the NSSI pays no benefit (with exceptions for young workers)
- Since 2024 the employer-paid period was cut from 3 to 2 working days
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This is your right. An employer who fails to pay the first 2 working days, or does not file the documents with the NSSI, breaches the law and can be sanctioned by the Labour Inspectorate — and a delay in filing means your benefit arrives late. Dismissal because you took sick leave is not permitted: a worker on temporary-incapacity leave enjoys protection, and dismissal requires a special procedure. Be careful with improperly taken sick leave, though — a false certificate, or working while signed off, can mean repaying the benefit and disciplinary, and in serious cases criminal, liability.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Who pays the first days of sick leave?
The employer — the first 2 working days, at 70% of your average daily gross pay. Since 2024 that period was cut from 3 days to 2, which works in the employee's favour.
How much does the NSSI pay?
80% of your average daily insurable income over the last 18 calendar months, from the third working day. The base is your insurable income, not your last salary, which sometimes produces less than people expect.
What about a work accident?
The NSSI pays 90% of your average daily insurable income from the very first day, with no 2-day employer period. The same applies to occupational disease — the regime is more favourable.
Do I need an insurance record?
Yes — at least 6 months of insurance record to qualify for an NSSI temporary-incapacity benefit. There are exceptions for young workers starting their first job.
Can I be dismissed while on sick leave?
A worker on temporary-incapacity leave is protected under the Labour Code. Dismissal because you took sick leave is not permitted and is liable to be overturned by the court.
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