Every country within the EU deals with sick pay and sick leave in a different manner. In Germany, employers are obliged by the law to pay employees on sick leave in Germany full pay for at least six weeks, should their illness continue for that period of time.
However, employees must have been employed for a minimum of four weeks pre-illness to be permitted eligible for claiming their salary for the six-week period. If the illness continues for more than 3 days then proof of incapacity is required, outlining the incapacity itself and its duration.
Sick Leave in Germany : After Six Weeks
After 6 weeks, the ‘Krankengeld’ (health insurance fund) pays sickness and benefits at 70% of the normal salary, but not exceeding 90% of the net salary if under sick leave in Germany. The insured employee can receive sickness benefits for a maximum of 78 weeks (within a three year period) for any incapacity caused by the same illness or disability, calculated as of the first day of sickness. Any working parents are also entitled to receive sick days in order to take care of their sick child or children under 12 years old. Individual employees may take 10 working days for each child suffering illness, with a maximum of 25 days per annum. Single parents get a slightly larger allowance with 20 working days and up to 50 days per annum.
Sick Leave in Germany : Pflegezeitgesetz
Germany have also implemented the ‘Pflegezeitgesetz’, also known as the ‘Law on Family Care Time’ where employees can take up to a maximum of ten working days with unpaid leave to care for close relatives in urgent conditions. These ten days can also be taken to arrange care for close relatives.
Within organisations employing more than 15 workers, up to 6 months of unpaid leave can be made available if taking sick leave in Germany. A notice period is required of a minimum of ten working days. Employees are also guaranteed return to their employment once leaving on unpaid leave.
For more information on German Social Security, German Payroll, Working in Germany or Contracting in Europe visit the Euro Accountancy & Finance Services website.
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