sickness benefit

noun UK

Definition

› [U] GOVERNMENT, WORKPLACE money a worker is paid by their government because they cannot work as a result of illness or injury: It is not possible to claim sickness benefit and work at the same time. Many people on sickness benefit are eager to take a job.

› [C] HR, WORKPLACE time away from work for illness or extra money to help with illness that a company offers to workers: Pensions and sickness benefits for staff were first used by the company in 1937. Are employees entitled to long-term sickness benefits?

→ Compare sick pay, workers' compensation

(Definition of sickness benefit noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)