Krankenkasse (health insurance fund)
Krankengeld (sickness benefit) is ending: what to do now
What this letter means
For the same illness, Krankengeld (sickness benefit) is paid for at most 78 weeks within three years (§ 48 Abs. 1 SGB V). Before it ends, the Krankenkasse usually writes to tell you when your entitlement runs out. Experts call this „Aussteuerung“.
Krankengeld can also end earlier, for example if the fund decides, based on an expert opinion, that you are able to work. You can file a Widerspruch (objection) against this decision.
Some letters ask you to apply for rehabilitation (Reha) within ten weeks (§ 51 Abs. 1 SGB V). If you do not apply in time, Krankengeld stops when the deadline ends. If you apply later, the entitlement starts again from the day of your application (§ 51 Abs. 3 SGB V).
If Krankengeld ends although you are still ill, Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefit) may be possible. Under certain conditions, the Agentur für Arbeit (employment agency) also pays it if your health is limited for a longer time, until the Rentenversicherung (pension insurance) has decided on reduced earning capacity (Erwerbsminderung) (§ 145 SGB III).
What to do now
- 1Write down the date of the decision, the end of the deadline and the end date of Krankengeld given in the letter.
- 2Check whether the letter sets a deadline for a Reha application under § 51 SGB V, and note it down.
- 3Have your continued Arbeitsunfähigkeit (inability to work) confirmed by a doctor no later than the next working day after the certified end, so that there is no gap (§ 46 SGB V).
- 4File a Widerspruch if you think the decision about your ability to work is wrong, and get a statement from your doctor.
- 5Contact the Agentur für Arbeit in good time before Krankengeld ends and ask about Arbeitslosengeld.
- 6Get advice from a Sozialverband (social association) if an Erwerbsminderungsrente (pension for reduced earning capacity) could be an option.
- 7Write your reply in German. German authorities work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your reply is understood and processed. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.
How you can reply
File a Widerspruch (objection)
If the fund stops Krankengeld early and you are still unable to work.
Template: Widerspruch gegen einen Bescheid der Krankenkasse oder PflegekasseApply for Reha in time
If the fund asks you to do so under § 51 SGB V. The application usually goes to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German pension insurance).
Apply for Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefit)
When Krankengeld ends and your health is still limited, based on § 145 SGB III.
Common questions
What happens if there is a gap in my sick note?
You only keep your entitlement to Krankengeld if your continued inability to work because of the same illness is confirmed no later than the next working day after the certified end. Saturdays do not count as working days here (§ 46 SGB V).
Do I really have to apply for Reha?
If the fund sets you a deadline under § 51 SGB V, Krankengeld stops if you do not apply in time. Get advice before you decide not to apply.
Can I get Arbeitslosengeld after Krankengeld even though I am ill?
Yes, under the conditions of § 145 SGB III. The Agentur für Arbeit will then ask you to apply for Reha within one month. Otherwise, Arbeitslosengeld is suspended (ruht).
Sources (German law and official pages)
- § 46 SGB V: Entstehen des Anspruchs auf Krankengeld
- § 48 SGB V: Dauer des Krankengeldes
- § 51 SGB V: Wegfall des Krankengeldes, Antrag auf Leistungen zur Teilhabe
- § 145 SGB III: Minderung der Leistungsfähigkeit
- § 84 SGG: Frist und Form des Widerspruchs
Research as of: 10 November 2026