Sick, but the employer stops paying?
You are on sick leave, and suddenly money is missing on your payslip? For incapacity for work through no fault of your own, you are entitled to continued pay. The employer must continue to pay your full wage for up to six weeks.
Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:
Demand your wage →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Check your entitlement
Have you been employed longer than four weeks and are unable to work through no fault of your own? Then continued pay applies.
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2. Secure proof
Have the certificate of incapacity, the sick note and payslips ready.
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3. Demand in writing
Demand the missing continued pay in writing with a deadline and reference to § 3 EFZG.
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4. Get help
If the employer remains inactive, a union or employment-law advice helps; if necessary, the labor court.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I get my full wage in case of illness?
For incapacity for work through no fault of your own, up to six weeks (42 calendar days) of full continued pay by the employer (§ 3 EFZG), provided your employment has lasted longer than four weeks. After that the statutory health insurer pays sick pay, which is lower.
What if the employer refuses continued pay?
Demand the outstanding wage in writing with a deadline and reference to § 3 EFZG and present your certificate of incapacity. If they do not react, you can turn to the union or an advice center and, if necessary, enforce the claim before the labor court. Watch out for exclusion periods in the contract.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.