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Emergency

Sick pay for the unemployed: falling ill while receiving ALG

Even those who are unemployed and receiving unemployment benefit can fall ill. Then special rules apply: first the employment agency keeps paying, then the health insurer takes over with sick pay. Timely notification of illness is important.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Anyone who becomes unable to work while receiving unemployment benefit continues to receive benefits from the agency for a transitional period of up to six weeks (continued payment of benefits). After that, the health insurer pays sick pay in the amount of the unemployment benefit (§ 47b SGB V).
This keeps you covered even in case of illness. The requirement is prompt notification of the inability to work to the agency and the health insurer.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Have inability to work certified

    Have the inability to work certified by a doctor.

  2. 2

    2. Report immediately

    Report the inability to work to the employment agency and the health insurer without delay.

  3. 3

    3. Watch the deadlines

    Watch the transition from continued payment of benefits to sick pay after six weeks.

  4. 4

    4. Follow-up certificates

    Submit follow-up certificates without gaps to secure the entitlement.

How to spot the scam

  • The inability to work is not reported in time.
  • Gaps in the follow-up certificates jeopardize the entitlement.
  • The transition to the health insurer is not observed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get sick pay if I am unemployed and ill?

Yes. In the first six weeks of the inability to work, the employment agency continues to pay the unemployment benefit (continued payment of benefits). After that, the health insurer takes over with sick pay in the amount of the previous unemployment benefit (§ 47b SGB V).

What do I need to watch for when reporting sick?

Report the inability to work to the employment agency and your health insurer without delay and submit the certificate as well as gap-free follow-up certificates. Omissions can jeopardize the entitlement.

Does the amount of the benefit change?

During the transitional phase, the unemployment benefit is continued at the same amount. The subsequent sick pay is also based on the unemployment benefit. Periods of inability to work can affect the duration of the unemployment benefit entitlement.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.