Question 1

How many sick days is an employee entitled to per year in Israel?

Accepted Answer

Under the Sick Pay Law, an employee accrues 1.5 sick days per month — up to 18 days per year, with a cumulative maximum of 90 days. Collective agreements and employment contracts often provide more generous terms. Unused sick days carry over from year to year up to the maximum.

Question 2

What is the sick pay rate?

Accepted Answer

The first day of sick leave is unpaid. The second and third days are paid at 50% of the daily wage. From the fourth day onward, sick pay is 100% of the daily wage. Some collective agreements eliminate the first-day deduction. Part-time employees receive sick pay proportional to their working hours.

Question 3

What documentation does an employee need to provide?

Accepted Answer

An employee who is absent due to illness must notify the employer as early as possible and, upon return, provide a medical certificate. For absences of one or two days, a self-declaration may suffice under some agreements. For longer absences, a doctor's certificate is required. Failure to provide documentation can allow the employer to treat the absence as unpaid leave.

Question 4

Can an employer dismiss an employee while on sick leave?

Accepted Answer

Under Israeli law, an employer generally cannot dismiss an employee during sick leave if the employee has been absent for fewer than 30 consecutive days. After 30 days of consecutive absence, dismissal is permitted with notice — but the employer must still pay any accrued sick pay owed. Dismissal in violation of these protections can give rise to compensation claims.

Question 5

Does accrued sick pay need to be paid out on termination?

Accepted Answer

Under the basic Sick Pay Law, unused sick days are not paid out on termination. However, some collective agreements or employment contracts provide for redemption of accrued sick days on departure. It is worth checking your specific agreement.

Question 6

What if the employer does not pay sick pay?

Accepted Answer

Failure to pay sick pay is a wage violation. The employee can file a claim in the Labor Tribunal for the unpaid amount plus withholding penalties. It is also possible to report the violation to the Labor Inspector.

Sick Pay in Israel 2026

Sick Pay — Entitlements Under Israeli Law

Protection from Dismissal During Illness

Frequently Asked Questions

Sick Pay Dispute?