Sick pay calculator – calculation of sick leave and sick pay

When you can't work due to illness, the last thing you want to deal with is paperwork and calculations. Yet, it's precisely at times like this that it's most important to know: how much money you can count on during your incapacity for work. With the sick pay calculator 2026, you can find out in just a few clicks how much you are entitled to after your sick leave ends. All you have to do is enter your gross salary and the number of sick pay days – the calculator takes care of the rest.

What is sick pay and who is entitled to it?

A sick pay (officially: sickness benefit) is a social security cash benefit that is due when you become incapacitated for work and your sick leave (the first 15 working days) has already expired. In Hungary, the purpose of sick pay is to provide financial support during the recovery period.

Eligibility conditions in 2026

• Insurance relationship: you must have a valid social security relationship (employment, entrepreneurial relationship, assignment contract with insurance).
• Waiting period: at least 1 day of continuous insurance relationship is required to claim sick pay – this is practically due from the first day of employment.
• Incapacity for work: medically certified incapacity for work, recorded in the system by your general practitioner or attending physician.
• Duration: sick pay is due from the 16th day of incapacity for work, for a maximum of 1 year (2 years for certain chronic illnesses).

Important difference: in the first 15 working days, sick leave sick leave is due, which is paid by the employer at 70% of the absence fee. Sick pay – which the calculator calculates – starts from the 16th day.

Rate of sick pay 2026 – How much will you receive?

In 2026, the amount of sick pay is determined by your daily sick pay base, and whether you are receiving hospital or home care. The calculation is based on the daily average earnings, calculated from the income of the calendar year (reference period) preceding the sick pay claim.

• Home care: 60% of the daily sick pay base – if your insurance relationship has been continuous for at least 2 years, then 50%.
• Hospital or institutional care: 60% of the daily sick pay base, regardless of the length of the insurance relationship.
• Upper limit: the daily amount of sick pay cannot exceed one-thirtieth of 150% of the current minimum wage.
• Minimum wage 2026: 290,800 HUF/month (expected amount based on the 2025 minimum wage of 290,800 HUF) – the maximum is calculated from this.

Example: If your monthly gross salary is 600,000 HUF, and you are on sick pay for 20 days (home care, 2+ years of relationship), then your daily sick pay base is approx. 20,000 HUF, the daily gross sick pay is 12,000 HUF (60%), from which the net daily amount is 10,200 HUF (after deducting 15% personal income tax). Thus, for 20 days, you can expect approx. 204,000 HUF net sick pay.

You can calculate the exact amount with the calculator at the top of the page!

How your sick pay is calculated – step by step

Calculating sick pay may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the logic, it's easy to follow. Here are the 5 most important steps:

1. Determining the daily average earnings – The total income for the reference period (usually the previous calendar year) is divided by the number of days worked. For example, if your gross income in 2025 was HUF 7,200,000 for 365 days, your daily average earnings would be HUF 19,726.
2. Calculating the sick pay base – The amount derived from the daily average earnings calculation becomes the sick pay base, but the upper limit adjusted to the minimum wage is also taken into account.
3. Applying the percentage – 60% of the daily sick pay base (50% for home care if the employment relationship is less than 2 years) gives the gross daily sick pay.
4. Checking the upper limit – The gross daily sick pay cannot exceed one-thirtieth of 150% of the minimum wage.
5. Deducting personal income tax – 15% personal income tax is deducted from the gross sick pay, giving you the net (take-home) amount.

Tip: Use the sick pay calculator above! Enter your monthly gross salary and the number of sick pay days – the calculator will perform the entire calculation for you, taking into account the 2026 rules as well.

Frequently asked questions about sick pay

From when is sick pay due and for how long?
Sick pay is due from the 16th day of incapacity for work. For the first 15 working days, you receive sick leave pay from your employer. Sick pay can be paid for a maximum of 1 year – unless your treating physician believes recovery will take longer than 1 year, in which case it can be up to 2 years.

How much is sick pay in 2026?
The rate of sick pay is 60% of the daily average earnings for home care (50% if the employment relationship is less than 2 years). For hospital care, it is always 60%. You can calculate the exact amount with the calculator above.

Is a medical certificate required for sick pay?
Yes. Incapacity for work must be certified by a doctor. Your family doctor or treating physician records the incapacity electronically in the Health Insurance Fund system. You no longer need to bring a separate paper document to your workplace.

What is the difference between sick leave pay and sick pay?
Sick leave pay is paid by the employer for the first 15 working days, at a rate of 70% of the absence fee. Sick pay is paid by the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK) from the 16th day, usually at a lower amount. The sick pay calculator calculates the benefit due from the 16th day.

How do I claim sick pay?
To claim sick pay, your employer fills out the claim form and forwards it to the NEAK. All you need to do is obtain the medical certificate. The data required for the claim (TAJ number, employer details) is provided by your employer.

Is sick pay calculated from gross or net salary?
The basis for calculating sick pay is the gross income, more precisely the daily gross average earnings. The calculator starts from your monthly gross salary and then shows the net (take-home) amount after deducting the 15% personal income tax.

Related calculators

These calculators can also help you plan your finances:

• CSED-GYED-GYES calculator – If you are planning to have a child, you can plan your maternity benefits with this.
• Salary calculator 2026 – Gross-to-net salary calculator with the 2026 tax rules.
• Pension Calculator – Estimate the amount of your expected pension.
• Leave calculator – Calculate the length and value of your leave.
• Business trip allowance calculator – For calculating daily allowances and expense reimbursements.

Legal disclaimer: The calculator and information above are for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax or legal advice. The exact amount of sick pay is determined by the NEAK based on the applicable legislation. The data provided here is based on the rules in effect in 2026. In all cases, we recommend consulting a professional (accountant, tax advisor) for an accurate calculation.