Sickness Benefit and the Employer Period

Sickness benefit (sykepenger) is intended to replace income when an employee cannot work due to illness. The employer is responsible for payment and follow-up during the employer period (arbeidsgiverperioden) when the conditions are met, before NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) normally takes over later in the process.

The Employer Period

The employer period is, as a general rule, the first 16 calendar days of a continuous period of sick leave. The calculation is affected by working days, days off, new absences, and how long the employee has been back at work. Always refer to NAV's updated guidance for the specific case.

Documentation and Income Statement

Absence can be documented with a self-certificate (egenmelding) or a medical certificate (sykmelding) according to applicable rules. When NAV needs to process sickness benefit or reimbursement, the employer must normally submit an income statement (inntektsmelding) with the necessary salary and absence information. Errors can delay payment.

Workplace Follow-up

Sickness benefit is just one part of the employer's responsibility. The employer must also consider workplace adjustments (tilrettelegging) and follow current rules for dialogue and follow-up. Health information should be handled with restricted access, and no more data than necessary should be collected.

Good Routines

Clarify who registers absence, verifies the employer period, submits income statements, and follows up on reimbursement claims. Reconcile the payroll system with NAV payments and document any discrepancies. Rates and exceptions must be kept up to date.

On Proffi

Proffi can help employers with supplier searches within HR, payroll, and occupational health services (bedriftshelsetjeneste). Personal sick leave data does not belong on public company profiles.

Source

• NAV: Sickness Benefit in the Employer Period