The BPS sick-leave subsidy: how much you get when you can't work

Getting sick shouldn't leave you without income. That's what the BPS sick-leave subsidy is for: a benefit replacing part of your salary while you're medically certified. Here's how it works and who can claim it.

What it is

Per the BPS:

Per the BPS:

«Se otorga esta prestación a los trabajadores activos que por razones médicas se encuentran imposibilitados de trabajar, ya sea por enfermedad o por accidente de trabajo.»

In English: This benefit is granted to active workers who, for medical reasons, are unable to work, whether due to illness or a work accident.

How much you get

The subsidy is a part of your income, with a cap:

On the amount:

«Los beneficiarios percibirán el equivalente al 70 % de todos sus ingresos que constituyan materia gravada (no se cuenta el aguinaldo), con un tope de $ 67.754 (01/2026).»

In English: Beneficiaries will receive the equivalent of 70% of all their income that is taxable (the Christmas bonus is not counted), with a cap of $67,754 (01/2026).

Plainly: you get 70% of what you earned (on the taxable base, not counting the Christmas bonus), up to a maximum. It's computed on the average of your income over the prior 180 days. The cap is updated, so check the current value.

Requirements

You need a minimum of recent activity: day-rate or pieceworkers need 75 day-wages in the prior year; monthly workers, 3 months of effective activity in the immediately prior year. And, of course, to be medically certified.

How long it lasts

You can be covered for up to one year, with the possibility of another year's extension if the certification is consecutive, or up to four interrupted years for the same ailment. It's designed for long illnesses, not just a cold.

Who qualifies (yes, also the self-employed)

Unlike the unemployment subsidy, this one can reach non-dependent workers: monotributistas (the holder or collaborating spouse, with up to one dependent, or up to three in harvest season) and other independents who meet the conditions. So it's worth knowing even if you work for yourself.

At a glance

In short: the sick-leave subsidy covers 70% of your income while an ailment prevents you from working, for up to a year, and can reach the self-employed. Keep your certification in order and verify your case and the current cap with the BPS.