Krankengeld — Sick Pay in Germany

What is Krankengeld

Krankengeld is a benefit from Krankenkasse (health insurance fund) when you are sick for a longer period and your employer stops paying. The condition is Arbeitsunfähigkeit confirmed by a doctor — today electronically (eAU); details in the article Krankschreibung.

Timeline — who pays

The right to Entgeltfortzahlung for 6 weeks is provided by Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz — you have it if employment lasts at least 4 weeks; this is regulated in your Arbeitsvertrag.

How much and for how long

Krankengeld amounts to 70% of gross salary, but not more than 90% net. In 2026 the maximum is approximately €135.63 per day (limit from Beitragsbemessungsgrenze). You receive it for a maximum of 78 weeks within 3 years for the same illness. Reduced social security contributions are deducted from the amount.

What to remember

The fund pays the benefit automatically based on eAU, but the medical certificate must be continuous (lückenlos) — obtain the next certificate no later than the first working day after the previous one ends, otherwise you lose continuity of entitlement. After 78 weeks, Aussteuerung (exhaustion of benefits) occurs: if you still cannot work, check Erwerbsminderungsrente or Bürgergeld; if you recover without a job — Arbeitslosengeld. The entire insurance system is described in Krankenversicherung.