Sjukpenning

Sjukpenning is a sickness benefit paid by Försäkringskassan to individuals in Sweden who cannot work due to illness or injury. It is part of the public social insurance system and provides replacement income during sickness.

Eligibility for sjukpenning requires being covered by the Swedish social insurance system and having an income that establishes your sjukpenninggrundande inkomst (SGI). Most employees receive sickness benefits from Försäkringskassan after the employer’s sickness pay period; self-employed and certain other groups may apply directly. A medical certificate is usually required if the illness lasts beyond a short initial period.

The amount of sjukpenning is based on the SGI, typically calculated as a percentage of the sickness-income, up to an upper limit. Benefits can be adjusted if you work part-time or participate in rehabilitation or other programs. The duration depends on medical assessment and SGI eligibility; long-term sickness may qualify for continued benefits or other disability-related support, subject to reassessment.

Application and documentation are handled by the claimant or employer, who must submit a claim to Försäkringskassan and attach medical documentation as required. Recipients can often track case status online, and sjukpenning may be coordinated with other benefits and rehabilitation services. The rules and rates for sjukpenning are subject to changes in law and policy, so it is advisable to check Försäkringskassan’s current guidelines.