What are the leave regulations for extended sick leave in Poland?

When an employee’s illness or injury requires more than the standard sick leave period in Poland, the system shifts from employer-paid leave to social insurance-funded benefits. This extended support is structured to ensure financial continuity and medical oversight during long-term absences.

What Happens After the First 33 Days?

Under the Polish Labor Code, employees are entitled to 33 days of sick leave annually (or 14 days for employees aged 50 or older), during which their employer pays 80% of their regular salary, unless the illness is work-related or due to pregnancy, in which case compensation may be 100%.
Find more information on standard sick leave regulations here: What are the Sick Leave regulations in Poland? : Horizons Help Center

If the illness lasts longer than this initial period, the responsibility for sick pay transitions from the employer to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).

Sickness Benefit from Social Insurance

After the employer-paid period ends:

The employee becomes eligible for a sickness benefit funded by ZUS.
This benefit can be paid for up to 182 days in total.
If the incapacity is due to pregnancy or tuberculosis, the benefit period may be extended to 270 days.
The compensation rate remains 80% of the salary, or 100% in special cases (e.g., pregnancy or work-related illness).

Rehabilitation Benefit

If the employee cannot return to work after the sickness benefit period but further treatment or rehabilitation may restore their ability to work, they may qualify for a rehabilitation benefit:

This is also paid by ZUS.
The benefit can be granted for up to 12 months, depending on the prognosis for recovery.

Medical Oversight and Fitness to Work

Employees on extended sick leave are subject to medical oversight:

If the sick leave lasts more than 30 days, the employee must undergo a medical check-up before returning to work.
The check-up ensures the employee is medically fit to resume their duties.
These periodic assessments are key to verifying eligibility for continued benefits and evaluating readiness to return to the workplace.

Social Insurance Coverage Requirement

To receive extended sick leave benefits:

The employee must be covered under Poland’s social insurance system.
This includes enrollment in health and sickness insurance contributions, typically arranged through the employer.

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