You have fallen ill and need to take sick leave? One of the most frequently asked questions is who pays the benefit, how the amount is calculated and when the money arrives in your bank account. Whether you are an employee, an employer or self-employed, knowing the rules saves you unpleasant surprises.
In this article the experts at Experta explain clearly and practically everything you need to know about sick leave in Bulgaria in 2026.
How is a sick leave certificate issued?
A sick leave certificate is issued by:
- your general practitioner (GP);
- a medical specialist;
- a Medical Advisory Commission (LKK).
Although the system is electronic, the employee must notify the employer of their absence in good time. It is also advisable to follow the company's internal rules on notification.
How many days can a GP issue?
The treating physician can issue sick leave for:
- up to 14 consecutive calendar days;
- a total of up to 40 days within the calendar year with interruptions.
If a longer period is needed, the case is reviewed by the LKK.
Who pays for sick leave?
This is the question every working person asks. Under the current rules, the financial responsibility is split between the employer and the National Social Security Institute (NSSI).
The first two days are paid by the employer
The employer pays:
- the first two working days of the sick leave;
- 70% of the average daily gross remuneration.
Note that working days under the individual work schedule are counted, not calendar days.
From day three, the NSSI pays
The NSSI pays the benefit from the third day onwards. The amount is:
80% of the average daily insurable income for the last 18 calendar months before the month in which the incapacity began.
Exception for accidents at work
For an accident at work or an occupational disease the benefit is higher and reaches 90% of the insurable income.
How much insurance service do you need?
To receive a benefit from the NSSI you need at least 6 months of insurance service for the "General illness and maternity" risk.
Good to know:
- the service may be interrupted;
- it may be accumulated with different employers;
- what counts is the total.
What if you have less than 6 months of service?
In that case the sick leave certificate justifies your absence from work, but:
- you are not entitled to a benefit from the NSSI;
- you are not entitled to payment for the first two days from the employer.
Is there a maximum period of sick leave?
Yes. In case of prolonged illness, the LKK may authorise leave for temporary incapacity for up to 180 consecutive calendar days.
If the person's health requires a longer period, they are referred to a TELK or NELK (medical expertise commissions).
Sick leave to care for a child or family member
The law grants sick leave not only for your own illness but also when you need to care for a close relative. The most common cases are:
- a sick child under 18;
- a child in quarantine;
- a child whose kindergarten or school is closed due to quarantine;
- a sick family member.
How many days are you entitled to?
- For a sick adult family member - up to 10 calendar days per year.
- For a sick child under 18 - up to 60 calendar days in total for all insured family members.
There are also special cases in which these limits do not apply.
When does the NSSI pay sick leave?
This is one of the topics that raises the most questions. After the sick leave certificate is submitted, the employer files the required documents with the NSSI. Once the data is accepted without discrepancies, the NSSI has:
Up to 10 working days to pay the benefit. The amount is transferred to the bank account previously declared by the insured person.
If the payment is delayed
We recommend checking:
- whether the employer has submitted the documents;
- whether the treating physician has submitted them correctly;
- whether the NSSI has requested additional information.
Sick leave under a civil contract
People working only under a civil contract are usually not insured for the "General illness and maternity" risk. For this reason a civil contract on its own does not entitle you to sickness benefits.
The exception is when the person has another basis for insurance, such as an employment contract.
Sick leave for self-employed persons
Self-employed persons can receive a benefit for temporary incapacity if they:
- have opted to be insured for general illness and maternity;
- have paid their social security contributions regularly;
- have the required insurance service.
In these cases the benefit is paid directly by the NSSI.
Key points
- The employer pays the first two working days.
- The NSSI pays the benefit from day three.
- You need at least 6 months of insurance service.
- The amount of the benefit depends on your insurable income.
- Self-employed persons are entitled to sick leave only if they have opted for that type of insurance.
- If the payment is delayed, first check whether the documents were submitted correctly.
Why it matters to know the rules
Your sickness and maternity benefits and your future pension are directly linked to your insurable income. That is why proper social insurance is not a cost but an investment in your future financial security.
The Experta team advises employers, self-employed persons and employees on all matters related to payroll, social insurance, employment relations and business administration.
Contact us for more information or to book a consultation.