Does your employer reject your sick note and withhold sick pay? You can ask Nav to pay for the employer period, usually the first 16 calendar days. Nav assesses your entitlement. A sick note does not automatically lead to payment.
What does it mean when your employer disputes your sick note?
It means your employer questions your entitlement to sick pay and withholds payment. It does not mean the doctor has withdrawn the sick note.
Nav, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, explains the process on its page about sick pay when your employer rejects your sick note. The rules in this guide were checked on 4 October 2026. We cover employees and payment during the employer period.
For example, your employer may question whether your absence is caused by illness or whether you cooperate with follow-up. There may also be questions about notification or a sick note covering days before your doctor's appointment. A dispute must be assessed using the specific information.
The ordinary arrangements are explained in SamfunnPrep's guide to sick pay, self-certification and sick notes. Here we follow the case further when ordinary payment stops.
What should you do first?
Ask for a clear explanation and establish which dates your employer refuses to pay for. Gather the information before sending the case to Nav.
Ask:
- which sick note and period the dispute concerns
- why your employer believes you are not entitled to payment
- whether your employer has sent an income statement to Nav
- whether missing payment concerns sick pay or ordinary wages as well
An inntektsmelding, an income statement, gives information from your employer about your income and employment. Nav uses it in your case. You cannot submit your employer's income statement yourself, but you can ask for it to be sent.
Do not combine all the amounts on your payslip. Ordinary wages for work done and sick pay for absence may need different next steps. If ordinary wages are also missing, use the guide to claiming unpaid wages.
How do you ask Nav for payment?
You can log in at nav.no and send a message applying for payment from Nav. You must do this yourself; your employer's refusal alone is not enough.
Nav asks you to explain that your employer is not paying sick pay during the employer period. You can use this wording with your own details:
“My employer is not paying sick pay during the employer period [date–date]. I am applying for Nav to pay the sick pay. Below I explain when I notified my employer about my illness and how my employer responded.”
This is a suggested message. Follow Nav's current guidance when applying. If you need a paper application form, contact Nav and request one.
Nav's general rule is that you must apply for sick pay within three months. Do not wait for the dispute with your employer to be resolved. Ask Nav to clarify the application deadline for the days in your case so you apply in time.
Nav's list includes your employer's name, address and telephone number. You must also say when and how you notified your employer about your illness, who received the notification and when you submitted the sick note.
Explain whether you were abroad during your sick leave, including places and dates. Also state whether you did any work during the period, for whom and how much. Give your account of why payment is missing. Provide accurate information even if you believe your employer is wrong.
Which documents should you collect?
Collect documents showing the sequence of events and the days the payment concerns. This makes it easier to respond when Nav requests information.
| Document | What it can show | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Messages and email | When and to whom you gave notice | Keep the date and recipient |
| Sick note | Period and degree of sick leave | Find the correct version |
| Work schedule | Which days you were due to work | Save the schedule for that period |
| Payslip | What has been paid or is missing | Separate wages and sick pay |
| Employer's response | Reasons for the dispute | Ask for a written explanation |
You can make a short timeline. For example, write “Monday: notified manager”, “Tuesday: contacted doctor” and “Friday: received employer's refusal”. Use the actual dates in your case.
If something in your employer's account is wrong, explain what you believe is correct. Attach relevant evidence. A short, specific explanation is easier to assess than a long description of the entire conflict.
Must you tell your employer your diagnosis?
No. Your employer has no right to your medical history or diagnosis. You must still cooperate about what you can do at work and possible adjustments.
This distinction follows Nav's guidance on disputes. Nav can obtain health information needed for its assessment from a doctor or therapist. Your employer does not need your entire medical record.
You can describe your functioning: “I cannot lift at present, but I can consider light tasks.” If your health prevents meetings or tasks, explain this and clarify your needs with your clinician. Keeping your diagnosis private does not mean you should stop answering questions about work.
What happens after you apply?
Nav assesses whether you are entitled to sick pay. Nav may obtain information from your employer and clinician before you receive a written reply.
If Nav concludes that you are entitled to payment, it can advance sick pay for the employer period and recover the money from your employer. Advancing means paying first. If Nav finds that the conditions are not met, your claim may be refused.
Processing can take time. As of 4 October 2026, Nav lists four months as the expected processing time for disputes. This is processing time, not an application deadline or guarantee. Do not plan around receiving the money on a certain date.
Ask Nav to clarify whether documents are missing. If your finances become urgently difficult, contact Nav about your situation and possible help. An application for such help is assessed separately from your sick pay case.
What should you do if your claim is refused or the case contains errors?
Read the decision and follow the information about appeals, deadlines and where to send an appeal. Check both the reasons and the information Nav used.
Specify the dates, documents or assessments you disagree with. A union representative or adviser can help you organise your case. Do not treat a deadline on the employer pages as if it automatically applies to your decision.
SamfunnPrep offers simple explanations of Norwegian services and rights. Use the tools overview to keep track of documents and your next contact in the case.
