The five-hour rule for sickness compensation — who it applies to and what it is not

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The Swedish guide compares the five-hour rule with stepless reduction and dormant compensation, and explains why unpaid work can still count.

Guides in this series

• Sickness compensation and work 2026
• Sickness compensation before 1 July 2008
• Stepless reduction of sickness compensation 2026
• The five-hour rule
• Dormant sickness compensation
• Activity compensation and work
• Sickness compensation and a limited company
• Majority owner and board member
• Stepless reduction in your own company
• Housing supplement with sickness compensation
• Dormant compensation and housing supplement
• Sick leave in your own limited company
• Sick leave day by day
• Sick leave as a business owner
• What a medical certificate should contain
• Sickness compensation or sickness benefit
• SGI when you start working
• If work does not work out
• Checklist before you start working

If you already have a decision you disagree with, read reconsideration and appeal of Försäkringskassan decisions.

Sources

Checked: 23 August 2026.

• Försäkringskassan: arbete vid beslut 1 juli 2008 eller senare
• Försäkringskassan: aktivitetsersättning
• Försäkringskassan: arbete vid beslut före 1 juli 2008

If you are reading this under pressure

Treat this guide as something you can return to. Start with the part that matches where your case stands today; you do not have to absorb everything at once.

Authority matters rarely improve because someone carries the full mental load alone. Ask for help from a support person, counsel, or family when stakes are high.

Common mistakes that weaken your position

• Relying only on verbal promises without a short written confirmation or follow-up email.
• Waiting to request documents until the dispute is already polarised.
• Writing so long and emotionally charged that the agency stops answering the actual issue.
• Missing appeal or reconsideration deadlines because the decision was not read line by line.

Quick checklist before you close the tab

1. Do you have dates, file references, and handler names (when known)?
2. Do you know the next step: reply, request documents, remind, appeal, or complain?
3. Have you stored emails and attachments where you can find them again next week?