Sickness allowance in Åland

Sickness allowance compensates for loss of income for persons aged between 18 and 67 who, due to illness, are unable to carry out their usual work. Entitlement to sickness allowance may also exist in other circumstances, such as whilst studying or for unemployed jobseekers. Sickness allowance is usually paid for a maximum of around one year. The amount of the compensation and the payment period depend on your income and the duration of your incapacity for work. Under the Employment Contracts Act and applicable collective agreements, an employee may be entitled to paid sick leave from their employer while on sickness absence.

In Åland, Finland’s rules on sickness allowance apply. More information on paid sick leave, sickness allowance when moving to or from Åland or Finland, accidents at work and occupational diseases can be found on the page Sickness allowance in Finland.

If the maximum amount of sickness allowance from Kela has been paid out, the sick leave period continues, and an application for a pension or rehabilitation subsidy has been submitted or rejected, it is possible to apply for general social security benefit from the Åland Labour Market and Student Service Authority (AMS). If you are a member of an unemployment fund, you can apply for earnings-related unemployment allowance from the fund.

General social security benefit can be applied for at the earliest from the date on which entitlement to sickness benefit ceases, and requires that a jobseeker’s registration has been submitted to AMS. The application must be accompanied by documents such as an employment certificate and a copy of a medical certificate showing that the sick leave is ongoing. The supporting documents required depend on the applicant’s circumstances. Information on what attachments are currently required and other information on the maximum amount of sickness allowance can be found on the AMS website.

The Info Norden website contains information on sickness allowance in the other Nordic countries, as well as contact details for the authorities that can answer questions.