Report absence when you are sick and participating in a programme
When you are participating in a programme, it is important to notify us if you become sick. Notify us on the first day you are sick. If you are still sick after seven days, submit a medical certificate.
When should I provide notification that I am sick?
Provide notification if you are participating in a programme and receiving activity support (aktivitetsstöd), introduction benefit (etableringsersättning), or development allowance (utvecklingsersättning) and you cannot participate due to sickness.
Notify us that you are sick on the first day you are sick
You must notify the Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) that you are sick on the first day you are sick. Otherwise, you risk losing your compensation for the entire time that you are sick.
If, due to extraordinary circumstances, you were unable to notify the Public Employment Services that you are sick on the first day – for example because you were so sick that it was impossible to do so – it is important to notify us that you are sick as soon as possible. That way, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) can assess whether you are still entitled to compensation.
If you are studying or participating in an internship, Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), Steps to Work (Steg till arbete), Prepare and Match (Rusta och matcha), or another activity with one of the Public Employment Service’s suppliers, you must also notify them of your absence.
If for some reason you are unable to notify us of your sickness absence online, then you can call or chat with the Public Employment Service to notify us.
You do not need to notify us of wellness
You do not need to inform the Public Employment Service when you are healthy and can return to your programme. In your application for activity support, introduction benefit, or development allowance with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, you mark which days you were sick.
Medical certificate required if you are sick for more than 7 days
If you are sick for more than 7 days and cannot participate in your programme, you must provide us with a medical certificate. This applies whether you are sick full time or part time.
If you are sick for more than 7 days
If you are sick for more than 30 days
If you are sick for even longer, we will try to modify the content of your programme so that you can still participate. If you are sick full time and longer than 30 days, you will be removed from the programme. If you become healthy within one year, you can re-register in the programme in some cases.
Find more information on how to apply for sickness benefit on the Swedish Social Insurance Agency’s website.
Swedish Social Insurance Agency (forsakringskassan.se)
What compensation do I get if I get sick?
You must notify the Public Employment Service on the first day you are sick. You do not receive compensation the first day. This is called a qualifying day (karensdag). If you submit notification of sickness absence on the first day you are sick, you keep your compensation (activity support, development allowance, or introduction benefit) for the rest of the time you are sick. Read more on the website of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.