Krankengeld is a financial support provided by statutory health insurance in Germany to those who are unable to work due to illness. The literal translation in English is “sickness benefit”.
What is “Krankengeld”?
In Germany, “Krankengeld” is a compensation paid by statutory health insurance funds to insured employees who are incapacitated for work due to illness for more than six weeks. It serves as a financial safety net to ensure that individuals who are unable to earn their regular income due to health issues can still cover their living expenses. The entitlement to Krankengeld and its calculation are regulated by the Social Security Code (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB V), specifically in sections 44 to 52[1].
More information about “Krankengeld”
Krankengeld amounts to 70% of the insured person’s gross salary but is capped at 90% of their net salary. There is also a maximum daily amount that can be paid, which is adjusted annually. In 2023, the maximum Krankengeld is 116.38 euros per calendar day[1]. The benefit is generally paid for a maximum of 78 weeks within a three-year period for the same illness[5][10][13][14]. Special provisions apply for self-employed individuals and those with voluntary insurance, who can opt for Krankengeld coverage by choosing a specific tariff and paying higher contributions[2][13].
Related to “Krankengeld”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Krankengeld:
- Entgeltfortzahlung: The continued payment of wages by the employer for the first six weeks of illness[3][4].
- Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung: A medical certificate of incapacity for work, which is necessary to claim Krankengeld[2][7].
- Kinderkrankengeld: A specific type of Krankengeld paid to parents who must take time off work to care for a sick child[17].
Krankengeld is an essential part of the social security system in Germany, providing financial support to those who are temporarily unable to work due to health issues. It reflects the country’s commitment to social welfare and the protection of workers.