If you become ill, you can claim sickness allowance (sairauspäiväraha) as compensation for loss of earnings.

When can I claim sickness allowance?

Sometimes you may become so ill that you are temporarily unable to work. In these situations, Kela will compensate you for the loss of earnings for the period during which you were unable to work due to illness with a sickness allowance.

If you can work part time during the illness, without compromising your health or recovery, you can claim partial sickness allowance (osasairauspäiväraha).

What are the conditions for claiming sickness allowance?

Sickness allowance is paid to those between the ages of 16 and 67. The entitlement to sickness allowance commences nine working days after the illness begins (not counting the day of onset). The employer generally pays the employee's wages during this waiting period. Most employers also pay the full salary during the first one to two months.

A doctor's certificate is required for the period during which you are unable to work.

Kela will pay sickness allowance for a maximum of one year (300 working days). If you receive pay during the period of illness, Kela will pay the compensation to your employer.

To receive partial sickness allowance, your working hours and pay must have been reduced by 40–60 per cent. Partial sickness allowance can be claimed for a maximum of 150 working days.

What am I entitled to and how can I claim?

Sickness allowance is calculated based on your annual income. The following are taken into account to calculate the annual income:

• wages and salaries
• salary for insurance purposes
• income under the self-employed persons' (YEL) and farmers' (MYEL) pension insurance schemes
• certain benefits you are entitled to (unemployment benefits, student allowance)

You can claim sickness allowance even if you have never received income from work or benefits. In such cases you will be paid at least the minimum amount. Find out how much you can claim in sickness allowance on the Kela website, www.kela.fi/web/en.

Sickness allowance is taxable income.

Useful forms and links

• Application for sickness allowance
• You can also apply for sickness allowance online
• Sickness allowance calculator (only in Finnish)

Know your rights

The Commission's publication and website:

• http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=849&langId=fi

Who should I contact?

Contact Kela's customer services, https://www.kela.fi/web/en/customer-service.

You can apply for sickness allowance online: https://www.kela.fi/web/en/e-services.