Sick Pay

Fallen ill? You are entitled to paid sick days — but not every day is paid at the same rate, and not always from the first day. The law sets a graduated mechanism worth understanding before you need it.

Disclosure: Educational information only. Rules are updated — verify with the Ministry of Labour or Kol Zchut. Any action you take is your own responsibility.

How sick days accrue

An employee accrues sick days according to length of service — generally one and a half days for each month of work, up to a cumulative ceiling of 90 days. The days accrue, so anyone who has not used them retains them for when they are needed.

How sick days are paid — the graduated scale

This is the point that confuses most people. Payment is not uniform:

In other words, a short single-day absence is not paid at all, and only from the fourth day is the full wage paid.

Conditions and medical certification

To receive sick pay you need a medical certificate from a doctor.

An employer may not dismiss an employee during a period of illness in which they are entitled to sick pay, subject to their accrual, which provides a degree of protection at exactly the moment it is most needed.

Illness of a family member

The law permits using part of your sick days for absence to care for a sick family member — a child, spouse or parent — subject to defined conditions and quotas. This is an entitlement many employees are unaware of.

Common mistakes

1. Expecting payment from the first day. The first day is not paid.

2. Not obtaining a medical certificate, which is essential to entitlement.

3. Not knowing about using sick days for a family member.

Summary

Sick pay is an accrued entitlement with graduated payment. It is important to understand that the first day is unpaid, and only from the fourth is the full wage paid. Keep medical certificates, and know your right to use days caring for a family member. See more in employee rights.