How to receive sick leave : what has changed

With the arrival of autumn, many people face seasonal illnesses — changing weather, humidity, stress, and a weakened immune system take their toll. At this time, when taking care of one’s health becomes especially important, the issue of timely and fair sick leave payments comes to the forefront.

In 2025, significant changes took place in Ukraine in how the sick leave system operates: administration was transferred to the Pension Fund of Ukraine, and certain rules for issuing and paying sick leave benefits were updated. In this article, we have gathered the most important information so that you can feel more confident during illness: what to do, where to turn, and how not to lose financial support at a difficult moment.

In autumn, many people fall ill more often due to weather changes, stress, and weakened immunity. During such periods, it is important not only to recover quickly but also to properly оформити sick leave in order not to lose income.

In 2025, the rules for issuing sick leave in Ukraine changed. The payment system is now administered by the Pension Fund of Ukraine. Below is a simple explanation of what exactly has changed and how to act during illness.

Key changes

1. Sick leave can be received from all places of work

If a person works in several jobs at the same time or combines employment with entrepreneurial activity, they now have the right to receive payments from each official place of work. This rule applies to illness cases that occurred after 4 April 2025.

2. Payments are possible even without an employer

If an enterprise has ceased operations due to the war or another emergency, the employee may independently apply to the Pension Fund and submit a claim for sick leave payments. An application may be submitted:

• in person;
• online.

Payments are made based on the person’s place of residence or current stay.

3. Full payment in case of occupational injury

If a person suffers a work-related injury or has an occupational disease:

• sick leave is paid at 100% of salary;
• length of insurance record does not matter;
• the first 17 days are paid by the employer;
• if there are additional workplaces, payments are also preserved.

How to apply for sick leave: Step by Step

Step 1. Consult a doctor

You need to consult a family doctor or a specialist. This can be done:

• during an in-person visit;
• online via services such as Helsi or Health24.

After the examination, the doctor issues a medical conclusion on temporary incapacity for work.

Step 2. An electronic sick leave certificate is created automatically

After the medical conclusion is issued, the system automatically generates an electronic sick leave certificate. The person receives SMS notifications:

• from the eHealth system — confirming creation of the medical conclusion;
• from the Pension Fund — confirming formation of the sick leave certificate and its validity period.

You can check the sick leave certificate:

• in your personal account on the Pension Fund portal;
• in the Diia mobile application.

The employer also sees this document. If necessary, the doctor may amend or extend the sick leave.

Step 3. Accrual of payments

Once the sick leave certificate receives the status “ready for payment”:

• the employer submits documents to the Pension Fund;
• the Pension Fund transfers funds to the employer (usually within three working days);
• the employer pays the funds to the employee.

Step 4. Who pays and how much

• The first five days of illness are paid by the employer.
• Starting from the sixth day, payments are made by the Pension Fund.

The amount of payment depends on the length of insurance record:

• up to 3 years — 50% of salary;
• 3–5 years — 60%;
• 5–8 years — 70%;
• more than 8 years — 100%.

What to do if there are problems with payments

If payments were not accrued or an error occurred:

• check the sick leave status in your Pension Fund account;
• contact your employer;
• submit a written request to the Pension Fund;
• if necessary, seek free legal consultation.

What this means for people

The new rules have made the sick leave system simpler and more accessible. Most processes are now automated, and a person can receive assistance even in difficult life circumstances — for example, if an employer has ceased operations. The main goal of the changes is to ensure that people can focus on recovery and do not lose financial support during illness.

This informational material was created within a project implemented by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) with financial support from the Government of the United States of America. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of the United States of America or DRC. Neither the Government of the United States of America nor DRC can be held responsible for the content of this material.