Sickness Benefit Calculator 2026
Sickness benefits (sygedagpenge) replace your income when you are on sick leave from work in Denmark. The amount is calculated based on your normal hourly earnings and the number of hours you would have worked. This calculator helps you estimate your expected sickness benefit payout.
Current rates in 2026
The maximum sickness benefit rate is 137.43 kr. per hour in 2026, equivalent to 5,085 kr. per week for full-time employment (37 hours). If your hourly wage after labour market contribution (AM-bidrag) is lower than the maximum rate, your sickness benefit will match your actual hourly wage. If you have varying work hours, the rate is typically calculated as an average of the last 4 weeks before illness.
Calculating sickness benefits for hourly workers
For hourly workers, sickness benefits are calculated by multiplying your hourly wage (after AM-bidrag) by the number of hours you were scheduled to work. With a fixed schedule the calculation is straightforward. With varying hours, the average of your last 4 weeks is used. Benefits can never exceed the maximum of 5,085 kr. per week.
Who is eligible for sickness benefits?
To receive sickness benefits, you must generally have worked at least 74 hours within the last 13 weeks, including at least 6 hours per week in the last 3 weeks. You may also qualify if you are eligible for unemployment benefits. The employer pays sickness benefits for the first 30 days (the employer period), after which the municipality takes over.
What happens when sickness benefits expire?
Sickness benefits can generally be received for up to 22 weeks within a 9-month period. If the period cannot be extended and you are still unable to work, you transition to a job clarification programme with resource allowance (ressourceforløbsydelse). Note that sickness benefits are paid in arrears and there is no payment for public holidays.