Sickness benefits in Norway are granted to people employed in Norwegian companies, and more precisely - in companies that pay health insurance contributions in this country. Find out how you can get sickness benefit, what conditions you have to meet and what is the amount.
Sick pay in Norway - conditions
You are entitled to sickness benefit in Norway if you meet the following conditions:
- you have paid contributions in the Norwegian health system,
- you are temporarily unable to work due to illness,
- you have worked in the last 4 weeks,
- you have lost your work income as a result of your illness.
IMPORTANT! The condition for entitlement to this benefit is obtaining a minimum income 50% of the basic amount.
Documenting the disease
Incapacity for temporary work may be documented on the basis of a handwritten declaration. It could also be a medical certificate issued by your doctor. In the case of diseases related to the skeletal or muscular system, it is additionally recommended to submit documentation issued by a surgeon or physiotherapist.
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IMPORTANT! If you fell ill during your holiday, you can apply for sickness benefit for this period. To document such an event should submit appropriate medical certificates.
What should I do while I receive benefits?
NAV requires you to take all necessary steps to recover as quickly as possible. If your incapacity for work lasts longer than 4 weeks, you must plan with your employer appropriate activities that will eventually enable you to return to work as soon as possible. If, after 8 weeks, you are still unable to take up work, you must submit to NAV medical documentation confirming your incapacity for work.
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IMPORTANT! The office also reserves the right to verify your health condition if you stay on sickness benefit for more than 12 weeks. This also applies to long-term incapacity for work.
Allowance for transport to work
If your health condition prevents you from reaching the workplace, NAV may grant you a transport allowance. It will be paid in lieu of Illness Benefit. You can apply for it after 17 days of receiving the benefit.
The amount of the benefit
In Norway, sickness benefits are paid by the employer for the first 16 days. Its amount is equivalent to the average weekly payment. The benefit is usually calculated on the basis of the salary you received in the last 4 weeks before the illness. However, if you have worked in a shift system or had a differential income, NAV may use the longer period as the basis for calculating the benefit amount.
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What is NOT taken into account?
The Office only takes into account the basis of the salary. The amount of the allowance is not based on the benefits you get for work. Overtime and annual leave are also not taken into account.
How much can I get sick pay in Norway?
The sickness allowance in Norway is the same as your salary. Provided that it does not exceed six times the basic rate. However, the employer may pay you a larger sum, but it is only up to his will.
find out what is the flexibility of the payment of benefits >>>
NAV sickness benefit in Norway
NAV will start paying the benefit on the 17th day of the sickness period. Its amount is then converted and the income you have obtained during the last calendar year is taken into account. Therefore, the amount of funds paid by the Office may differ from what you received from your employer.
Duration of the allowance
Sickness Benefit in Norway can last for a maximum of 52 weeks. This period is the same regardless of whether you were entitled to the entire amount of the benefit or only part of it. Slightly different rules apply to those who have graduated 67 years of age, and have not yet reached 70 years of age. If after this time you are still unable to work, check if you are not eligible compensatory allowance or Disability Allowance.