The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population stated that information about the introduction of paid sick leave for self-employed citizens from 2026, funded by the State Social Insurance Fund (SSIF), is not true.
According to the press service of the ministry, in accordance with current legislation, payments from the SSIF are provided to participants of the compulsory social insurance system only upon the occurrence of specific social risks:
- loss of ability to work;
- loss of a breadwinner;
- loss of employment;
- loss of income due to pregnancy and childbirth, or adoption of a child;
- loss of income due to caring for a child until the child reaches the age of one and a half years.
Thus, payments for temporary incapacity for work — that is, for sick leave — from the SSIF are not provided for either employees or self-employed individuals.
At the same time, the ministry confirmed that from 1 January 2026, a new tax regime for self-employed citizens will indeed be introduced, providing for the payment of social contributions.
"Participation in the compulsory social insurance system will grant self-employed citizens the right to receive social payments from the SSIF upon the occurrence of the aforementioned social risks," the statement said.
The Ministry of Labour urged citizens and media representatives to trust only official sources of information.