⚠️ This page is for general education and reference only and is not legal advice. Hong Kong employment rights are governed by the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) and your individual contract; if in doubt, consult the Labour Department or a professional.
What are paid sickness days and sickness allowance?
On a continuous contract, paid sickness days accrue at 2 per completed month in the first 12 months, then 4 per month, capped at 120. The first 36 are Category 1; the remainder up to 84 are Category 2 (Category 2 generally needs a certificate from a doctor at a specified hospital/clinic).
Sickness allowance = ADW × 4/5 × paid sickness days — four-fifths, not a full day's ADW. Statutory holiday pay is ADW × 1; see theholiday pay calculator. Compute ADW with theADW calculator, or compare withannual leave/leave calculator.
Worked example
After 30 months service: 12 × 2 = 24 plus 18 × 4 = 72 → 96 accrued days (Category 1: 36; Category 2: 60). Taking 5 consecutive days at ADW HK$800: daily allowance = 800 × 4/5 = HK$640; total = 5 × $640 = HK$3,200. Set the tool to 2 years 6 months, 5 days, ADW 800 to match.
Eligibility and conditions
Generally you need ≥4 consecutive sick days, a valid medical certificate, and enough accrued paid sickness days. Shorter absences generally do not attract statutory sickness allowance, except a day on which a pregnant employee attends a pregnancy-related medical examination. Allowance is generally paid on the normal pay day. This page does not guarantee a claimable amount.
For return-to-work planning, see theworking days calculator.
Sources
- Labour Department Concise Guide (sickness allowance chapter):labour.gov.hk
- Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57):elegislation.gov.hk
FAQ
How is the 4/5 sickness allowance calculated?
Sickness allowance is four-fifths (80%) of average daily wages (ADW) per paid sickness day — i.e. ADW × 4/5. For example, if ADW is $800, the daily allowance is $640.
Is there pay if sick leave is under 4 days?
Generally, statutory sickness allowance requires ≥4 consecutive sick days, a valid medical certificate and enough accrued paid sickness days. Shorter absences generally do not attract the allowance (an exception applies when a pregnant employee attends a pregnancy-related medical examination, even for a single day).
How do paid sickness days accrue, and what is the cap?
On a continuous contract, paid sickness days accrue at 2 per completed month in the first 12 months, then 4 per month, capped at 120. The first 36 are Category 1; the remainder up to 84 are Category 2 (Category 2 generally needs a certificate from a doctor at a specified hospital/clinic).
Is sickness allowance the same as statutory holiday pay?
No. Sickness allowance is 4/5 of ADW; statutory holiday pay is one full day's ADW (×1). Same base, different rates — do not confuse them.
When is sickness allowance paid?
Generally on the normal pay day. Follow your contract and the Employment Ordinance.
Can I rely on this calculator legally?
No. It is for general estimation and education only, not legal advice. Rely on the Concise Guide (sickness allowance chapter) and Cap. 57.