Sick Leave Benefit in Albania – How It Is Calculated and Who Qualifies

What is it?

The ordinary sickness benefit is financial support paid to an insured employee who is temporarily unable to work due to illness.

Who qualifies?

Insured employees who have contributed for at least 14 working days before the date the incapacity began.
It applies to non-occupational illnesses – not to occupational diseases or workplace accidents, which are covered by a separate scheme.

How is the payment split?

The first 14 days of sick leave within a calendar year are paid by the employer, at 80% of the average daily wage.
If the absence lasts longer, from the 15th day onwards the payment is taken over by the Social Insurance Institute (ISSH), which calculates the benefit based on years of service:
- 70% of the average wage for employees with less than 10 years of insured service.
- 80% for employees with 10 years or more.

Reference wage

The ISSH benefit is based on the average gross monthly wage of the last 6 months preceding the month in which the illness began.

📌 A complete example

Gross monthly wage over the last 6 months: 60,000 – 62,000 – 61,000 – 63,000 – 62,000 – 60,000 lekë
Years of service: 8 years
Duration of illness: 20 working days

Calculation:

Average monthly wage:
(60,000 + 62,000 + 61,000 + 63,000 + 62,000 + 60,000) ÷ 6 = 61,333 lekë
Payment for the first 14 days (employer):
61,333 ÷ 22 working days = 2,788 lekë/day
2,788 × 80% = 2,230 lekë/day
2,230 × 14 days = 31,220 lekë
Payment for the remaining 6 days (ISSH):
Years of service < 10 → 70% of the wage
2,788 × 70% = 1,952 lekë/day
1,952 × 6 days = 11,712 lekë

✅ Total benefit for 20 days of sickness = 31,220 + 11,712 = 42,932 lekë

Required documentation

Medical certificate (raport mjekësor).
Confirmation letter from the employer.
Benefit application form (submitted to ISSH in person or online).

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice for specific cases. For an assessment of your situation, contact KONSULENCE.AL.