The rehabilitation chain and how long sick leave lasts
The rehabilitation chain (rehabiliteringskedjan) is Försäkringskassan's schedule for assessing your work capacity the longer a sick leave runs. It doesn't set how much you get, but what your capacity is measured against, and the test gets stricter at day 90 and day 180.
Alongside it, sickness benefit is paid at two levels: the standard level for up to 364 days, then a lower continuation level. There is no outer time limit — the continuation level continues for as long as you can't work, but Försäkringskassan assesses your work capacity on an ongoing basis.
The three stages
For the first 90 days you're assessed against your usual job: can you do your ordinary tasks? From day 91 to 180 the test widens to other work at your employer. From day 181 your work capacity is measured against the whole labour market, meaning any job you could manage. A doctor's certificate is needed from day 8 to your employer and from day 15 to Försäkringskassan.
Different for sole traders and job seekers
As a sole trader you're assessed against your own work right up to day 180, and only from day 181 against the whole labour market. The middle stage falls away because you have no employer. If you're unemployed, you're measured against the whole labour market from the start. There are exceptions: the assessment against your employer can be pushed back if you're expected to return within a year, and for serious illness it can wait until day 550.
How long does sickness benefit last?
Sickness benefit at the standard level (77.6% of SGI) is paid for up to 364 days. After that it continues at the continuation level (72.75%) with no outer time limit, for as long as you can't work — you reapply for extended sickness benefit with each new doctor's certificate. If your work capacity becomes permanently reduced, sickness compensation may be assessed instead, a separate benefit with its own rules.
Frequently asked questions
It's Försäkringskassan's timeline for assessing your work capacity during a sick leave. At day 90 and day 180 the assessment widens step by step, from your own job to the whole labour market.
From day 181 your work capacity is measured against the whole labour market, not just your employer. If Försäkringskassan judges that you could manage another job, your right to sickness benefit can be reassessed. There's an exception if you're expected to return to your employer within a year.
There is no fixed time limit. You get 77.6% (standard level) for up to 364 days, then 72.75% (continuation level) for as long as you can't work. Försäkringskassan keeps checking that your work capacity is still reduced; if the reduction is permanent, sickness compensation is assessed instead.
The stages differ slightly. As a sole trader you're assessed against your own work up to day 180. If you're unemployed, you're measured against the whole labour market from the first day. The benefit levels — 364 days at the standard level, then the continuation level with no outer time limit — are the same regardless.