Progressive return for therapeutic reasons

If I have been on sick leave for an extended period, a progressive return to work can be a crucial step in my recovery and rehabilitation process.

Here I find valuable information on how to plan and manage my progressive return to work, with the support of my doctor and my employer.

Everything I need to know

What is a progressive return to work for therapeutic reasons?

The aim is to allow me to return to work progressively during my recovery phase, while limiting the stress of my daily work routine, and thus helping to improve my general health status.

Which conditions must I meet?

Before submitting my claim to the CNS, I check that I meet the following conditions:

  • I have been unable to work for at least one month in the three months preceding my application to the CNS;
  • I am unable to work at the time of my claim;
  • My doctor has provided me with a certificate stating that this scheme will have a positive effect on my recovery and state of health;
  • I have obtained my employer's agreement.

How do I make the request?

  • I make an appointment with my general practitioner to obtain their opinion and fill in the form with them (I can download it in PDF format by clicking here).
  • I ask my employer to give me their consent by also signing the form.
  • I send the duly completed form, signed by all three parties (doctor, employer and myself), for approval to the following address:

Caisse nationale de santé
Indemnités pécuniaires
L-2980 Luxembourg

I click here to access the request form

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

If I benefit from the 'Progressive return to work for therapeutic reasons' scheme, do I need to obtain a certificate of incapacity for work in addition to the completed form?

Yes, for the whole duration of the progressive return to work. From the point of view of employment law, I am on sick leave.

However, if during the progressive return to work, I am not in a condition to go to work, no new certificate of incapacity for work is required.

On the other hand, any interruption in the incapacity for work brings the measure to an end: for example, taking statutory leave or returning to work early on a full-time basis, i.e. 100% of the time stipulated in the employment contract.

In this case, I must immediately inform the CNS in writing.

Important! Throughout the entire period of my progressive return to work, I am considered to be in full incapacity for work. This period is therefore fully taken into account when calculating the maximum duration of financial compensation (78 weeks in total over a period of 104 weeks).

To find out more, I visit the ‘Duration of entitlement to financial compensation’ the Financial compensation for my incapacity for work page.

What will my income be when I progressively return to work?

Depending on the situation, I will receive either the salary paid by my employer or a financial compensation from the CNS. The CNS will notify me in writing of any change in the method of remuneration.

For more information, see 'Who will pay me and under what conditions?' on the Financial compensation for my incapacity for work page.

Are working time rules applied during the progressive return to work?

No, there is no rule setting a percentage of working time that must be adhered to. It should be adapted progressively according to my state of health, with the aim of improving it.

Do I have to respect the authorised hours of absence if I am unable to work?

No, the rules on authorised absences for those on sick leave do not apply during a gradual return to work for therapeutic reasons. Therefore, I am not required to adhere to specific hours.

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