How long is sick leave in Poland?

In Poland, sick leave is available for employees who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. The duration of sick leave is not predetermined; however, the period during which employees receive paid benefits is governed by specific rules.

• For employees under the age of 50, the employer pays for the first 33 calendar days of sick leave in a calendar year. Employees aged 50 or older receive payments from their employer for the first 14 days. During this initial period, employees are generally entitled to 80% of their regular salary unless special circumstances apply, such as a work-related accident or pregnancy, in which case the benefit may be 100%.

• Starting from the 34th day (or the 15th day for those aged 50 or above), the responsibility for payment switches to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). Generally, ZUS pays a sickness benefit at 80% of the employee’s average salary for up to 182 days. This can be extended to a maximum of 270 days if the leave involves pregnancy or tuberculosis.

• If an employee is unable to resume work after the sickness benefit period, they may apply for a rehabilitation benefit (“świadczenie rehabilitacyjne”) from ZUS. This benefit may be granted for up to 12 additional months (360 days), based on medical evidence indicating continued treatment and a reasonable chance of recovery. The rehabilitation benefit is paid at 90% of the salary for the first 3 months and 75% thereafter.

Importantly, the 182-day benefit period restarts if the employee experiences a new illness after at least 60 days without any sick leave. Submission of a timely medical certificate (ZUS ZLA) to the employer and ZUS is necessary for eligibility for these benefits.

What are the eligibility rules for sick leave in Poland?

Any doctor in Poland can issue a medical certificate for sick leave. This medical certificate is automatically sent to Velocity Global Poland.

How is sick leave payment calculated in Poland?

In Poland, sick leave payment is calculated as 80% of the supported employee's average earnings over the previous 12 months.

What is the process for applying for sick leave in Poland?

To apply for sick leave in Poland, a supported employee needs to follow these steps:

• Notify Velocity Global Poland by email about the sick leave.
• Enter the sick leave details in our Global Work Platform™ and the timesheet.
• Ensure the doctor sends the official sick leave information to Velocity Global's state profile for Social Security.