Töövõimetuskindlustus

Töövõimetuskindlustus, often translated as work incapacity insurance or disability insurance, is a social insurance scheme in Estonia that provides financial support to individuals who are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to illness or injury. It is a mandatory part of the Estonian social security system, funded through contributions paid by employers and employees.

The primary purpose of töövõimetuskindlustus is to compensate for lost income when a person's ability to earn a living is diminished or lost. This compensation is typically paid in the form of a temporary incapacity benefit, also known as sick pay, for shorter periods of absence from work. For more prolonged or permanent work incapacity, a pension for work incapacity may be granted, depending on the degree of disability and its cause.

Eligibility for benefits under töövõimetuskindlustus is determined by medical assessments that evaluate the extent to which a person's health condition affects their capacity to work. The duration and amount of the benefit depend on various factors, including the length of the insurance period, the individual's average earnings, and the assessed degree of work incapacity. The Estonian National Social Insurance Board (Sotsiaalkindlustusamet) is responsible for administering these benefits and making decisions regarding eligibility.