When illness or injury strikes, the last thing you need is financial stress piled on top of your health concerns. For Canadian workers who find themselves temporarily unable to work due to medical issues, Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits provide a crucial financial lifeline. With payments of up to $695 weekly, these benefits offer breathing room to focus on what matters most – your recovery.
The reality of being sidelined from work due to health issues affects thousands of Canadians each year. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden injury, recovering from surgery, managing a serious illness, or coping with mental health challenges, the inability to earn your regular income can quickly transform a health crisis into a financial one. Understanding how EI sickness benefits work—and whether you qualify—could be the difference between a recovery focused on healing and one marred by financial worry.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about EI sickness benefits: from eligibility requirements and application procedures to benefit amounts and medical documentation. We’ll walk through the process step-by-step, helping you understand what to expect, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to maximize your benefits while you recover. Whether you’re currently unable to work or simply planning ahead, this information provides essential guidance for navigating Canada’s EI sickness benefit program.
Also Read: CPP Benefits in 2025: Who Qualifies for Higher Payments & When?
Understanding EI Sickness Benefits: The Basics
Employment Insurance sickness benefits represent a key component of Canada’s social safety net, designed specifically to provide temporary financial assistance while you recover from illness or injury.
What Are EI Sickness Benefits?
EI sickness benefits are temporary income replacement payments provided to eligible workers who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine. Unlike regular EI benefits (which support those who lose jobs through no fault of their own), sickness benefits specifically address health-related work absences.
The program is designed with several key features:
- Benefits provide up to 55% of your insurable earnings to a maximum of $695 per week (as of 2025)
- Payments are available for a maximum of 15 weeks
- Benefits begin after a 1-week waiting period in most cases
- Payments are taxable income reported on your T4E slip
- The program is administered by Service Canada through the broader EI framework
These benefits are not intended for permanent disability situations (other programs address those needs) but rather for temporary absences where recovery and return to work are expected. EI sickness benefits bridge the financial gap during recovery periods, allowing workers to focus on healing without immediate financial pressure.
It’s worth noting that EI sickness benefits can be combined with other types of EI benefits (such as parental or compassionate care) up to a maximum combined duration, providing flexibility for complex life situations.
Recent Changes to the Program
The EI sickness benefits program has undergone several significant changes in recent years that affect both eligibility and benefit duration:
- Increased maximum duration: The maximum benefit period was extended from 15 to 26 weeks for claims established on or after December 18, 2022. This marked the first major extension of the program since its inception.
- Medical certificate requirements: The documentation process has been streamlined, with new standardized forms and digital submission options introduced to reduce paperwork burdens.
- Waiting period flexibility: Under certain circumstances, the one-week waiting period may be waived, particularly during public health emergencies.
- Benefit rate adjustments: Maximum weekly benefit amounts are reviewed annually, with the current maximum set at $695 (up from $675 in the previous year).
- Simplified application process: Online application procedures have been enhanced to reduce processing times and improve accessibility.
These changes reflect the government’s recognition of recovery timelines for serious illnesses and the importance of accessible support during health crises. For claimants, these enhancements potentially mean longer benefit periods and simplified access to assistance.
Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify?
Understanding eligibility criteria is crucial for determining whether you can access EI sickness benefits. The requirements address both employment history and medical condition.
Employment and Contribution Requirements
To qualify for EI sickness benefits, you must meet specific employment-related criteria:
- Reduction in work hours: Your regular weekly earnings must have decreased by at least 40% due to illness, injury, or quarantine.
- Insurable hours requirement: You must have accumulated at least 600 hours of insurable employment during your qualifying period (typically the 52 weeks before your claim starts, or since your last EI claim).
- Contribution status: You must be paying EI premiums through your employment. Most employees automatically contribute to EI through payroll deductions, but some workers (particularly self-employed individuals who haven’t opted into the program) may not be eligible.
- Valid work permit: If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must have a valid work permit and meet all other requirements.
The 600-hour threshold is particularly important – this translates to approximately 15-20 weeks of full-time work, depending on your work schedule. Part-time workers can still qualify if they’ve accumulated sufficient hours over their qualifying period.
Medical Eligibility and Documentation
Beyond employment criteria, you must also meet medical requirements:
- Inability to work: You must be unable to perform the regular duties of your job due to illness, injury, or quarantine.
- Medical certification: You must provide a medical certificate signed by a qualified medical practitioner (physician, nurse practitioner, or other authorized health professional) confirming:
- The nature of your illness or injury
- The expected duration of your incapacity to work
- Any recommended treatments or recovery protocols
- Recovery expectation: There must be a reasonable expectation that you will return to work after your recovery period.
The medical certification is crucial – without proper documentation, your claim may be delayed or denied. It’s important to obtain this certification as soon as possible after becoming ill or injured, as retroactive documentation can be more difficult to secure.
Service Canada may conduct periodic reviews of ongoing claims, which may require updated medical information to confirm continued eligibility. Being prepared with thorough and accurate documentation helps ensure smooth processing of both initial claims and any subsequent reviews.
Benefit Calculation: How Much Will You Receive?
Understanding how your benefit amount is calculated helps set realistic expectations and plan your finances during your recovery period.
Calculating Your Weekly Benefit Rate
EI sickness benefits are calculated using a straightforward formula:
- Basic calculation: Benefits equal 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount.
- Maximum benefit cap: The maximum weekly benefit amount is $695 (as of 2025). This means that insurable earnings beyond approximately $1,264 weekly will not increase your benefit amount.
- Benefit floor: There is no formal minimum benefit amount, but the calculation is based on your best weeks of earnings during the qualifying period.
Your “average insurable weekly earnings” are calculated based on your best weeks of employment during the qualifying period. The number of best weeks used varies from 14 to 22, depending on the unemployment rate in your region (fewer weeks are used in regions with higher unemployment).
This regional variation is designed to accommodate seasonal workers and those in areas with limited employment opportunities, providing a more generous calculation method in regions with higher unemployment rates.
Benefit Examples Based on Income Levels
To illustrate how the benefit calculation works in practice, consider these examples:
| Previous Weekly Earnings | Calculation (55%) | Weekly Benefit | Monthly Approximate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | $275 | $275 | $1,192 |
| $800 | $440 | $440 | $1,907 |
| $1,000 | $550 | $550 | $2,383 |
| $1,264 | $695 | $695 (maximum) | $3,012 |
| $1,500 | $825 | $695 (maximum) | $3,012 |
As shown in the table, workers with higher previous earnings receive larger benefit amounts up to the maximum cap. For many Canadian households, the reduction to 55% of regular earnings represents a significant financial adjustment, highlighting the importance of supplementary coverage through employer sick leave policies or private insurance where available.
Family Supplement for Low-Income Families
For low-income families with children, additional support is available:
- Family Supplement: Claimants from families with net income below $25,921 who receive the Canada Child Benefit may qualify for a family supplement that increases their benefit rate above the standard 55%.
- Maximum rate with supplement: With the family supplement, your benefit rate can increase up to 80% of your average insurable earnings, still subject to the $695 weekly maximum.
- Calculation factors: The exact supplement amount varies based on family income, number of children, and children’s ages.
This supplement provides crucial additional support for families balancing the dual challenges of lost income and child-related expenses during a health crisis.
Application Process: Steps to Access Benefits
Applying for EI sickness benefits involves several specific steps. Understanding the process helps ensure your application proceeds smoothly and benefits begin as quickly as possible.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow these steps to apply for EI sickness benefits:
- Gather necessary documentation:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Personal identification
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer
- Medical certificate from your healthcare provider
- Submit your application: Apply online through the Service Canada EI application portal. Applications should be submitted within 4 weeks of stopping work to avoid potential benefit reductions.
- Provide your medical certificate: Upload your medical documentation through the online portal or submit it to your local Service Canada Centre. New standardized forms make this process more straightforward.
- Complete bi-weekly reports: Once your application is approved, you must complete bi-weekly reports to confirm your continued eligibility and receive ongoing payments.
- Maintain communication: Report any changes in your condition, return to work, or other relevant circumstances to Service Canada promptly.
The entire application process takes approximately 30-45 minutes online, assuming you have all necessary documentation ready. Service Canada aims to process claims within 28 days, though processing times can vary based on volume and complexity.
Common Application Challenges and Solutions
Several common issues can complicate the application process:
- Missing or delayed Records of Employment (ROEs): If your employer hasn’t provided your ROE:
- Ask your employer directly about the delay
- Explain in your application that the ROE is pending
- Contact Service Canada if delays persist
- Incomplete medical documentation: Ensure your medical certificate includes:
- Specific diagnosis or nature of illness/injury
- Clear statement about inability to work
- Estimated recovery timeline or next assessment date
- Healthcare provider’s license information and signature
- Application timing: Applications submitted more than four weeks after stopping work may face scrutiny:
- Provide a detailed explanation for the delay
- Include any additional supporting documentation
- Be prepared to discuss the circumstances in follow-up communications
- Self-employed applicants: Special considerations apply:
- Must have opted into the EI special benefits program at least 12 months prior
- Must have met minimum income requirements ($7,555 for 2024 claims)
- Need to provide detailed business income information
Working through these challenges requires persistence and clear communication. The Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits Contact Centre (1-800-206-7218) can provide guidance for specific situations not addressed in online resources.
During Your Benefit Period: What to Expect
Once approved, understanding what happens during your benefit period helps you maintain compliance and avoid interruptions to your payments.
Reporting Requirements
While receiving EI sickness benefits, you must fulfill ongoing reporting obligations:
- Bi-weekly reports: Submit declarations every two weeks to confirm your continued eligibility. These can be completed:
- Online through My Service Canada Account
- By telephone using the EI Telephone Reporting Service
- In person at a Service Canada Centre (in exceptional circumstances)
- Report content: These declarations require you to confirm:
- Your continued inability to work due to illness/injury
- Any work performed or earnings received
- Any time spent outside Canada
- Any other relevant changes to your circumstances
- Report timing: Reports must be submitted during your assigned reporting period, typically opening on the Friday of your reporting week. Late reports can delay subsequent payments.
Setting calendar reminders for these reporting deadlines helps ensure uninterrupted benefit payments. Many recipients find that completing reports immediately when the reporting window opens results in the most predictable payment schedule.
Working While on Benefits
While EI sickness benefits typically support those entirely unable to work, partial work may be possible in some recovery scenarios:
- Working while on claim: If your doctor approves limited or part-time work during recovery:
- You can earn up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings
- Earnings beyond this threshold reduce your benefits dollar-for-dollar
- All work and earnings must be reported in your bi-weekly declarations
- Gradual return to work: EI sickness benefits can support gradual return-to-work plans:
- Benefits continue during approved work trials or graduated returns
- Medical approval is required for any work during your claim period
- Benefits adjust according to your earnings during this transition
- Self-employment activities: Different rules apply to self-employment income:
- Self-employment activities must be reported
- Income is deducted from benefits based on time spent rather than dollars earned
- Ongoing self-employment may affect eligibility
Working closely with your healthcare provider to develop appropriate return-to-work plans ensures compliance with program requirements while supporting your recovery journey.
After Your Benefits End: Next Steps
Planning for the end of your benefit period is important, whether you’re returning to work or need additional support.
Returning to Work
Most EI sickness benefit recipients eventually return to their previous employment:
- Communication with employer: Maintain open communication about:
- Your expected return date
- Any accommodations or modified duties needed
- Gradual return options if recommended by your healthcare provider
- Return to work documentation: Some employers require:
- Medical clearance confirming fitness to return
- Documentation of any remaining limitations or accommodations
- Updated recovery plans for ongoing conditions
- Final reporting: Complete your final EI report indicating your return to work date.
Successful workplace reintegration often depends on clear communication and appropriate accommodations. Under Canadian employment law, employers have a duty to provide reasonable accommodation for employees returning from medical leave, which may include modified duties, adjusted schedules, or workplace adaptations.
When Recovery Takes Longer
If your recovery extends beyond the 26-week maximum benefit period, several options exist:
- Private insurance: Long-term disability insurance through your employer or private plans typically begins after EI sickness benefits end.
- Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits: For longer-term or permanent disabilities that prevent substantial gainful employment, CPP-D provides ongoing support (requires separate application).
- Provincial social assistance: Each province offers income support programs for those facing extended unemployment due to health issues.
- Extended health benefits: Some employer health plans continue during extended leaves, covering medications and treatments essential for recovery.
Planning for this transition should begin well before EI benefits expire. Working with a social worker, insurance representative, or employment counselor can help identify appropriate next steps based on your specific circumstances and recovery timeline.
Also Read: VA VR&E (Chapter 31): Who Qualifies, Benefits and How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I receive EI sickness benefits if I’m receiving sick pay from my employer?
A: Generally no. You cannot receive EI sickness benefits for the same period covered by employer sick leave payments. However, you can apply for EI benefits after employer sick leave is exhausted.
Q: Are EI sickness benefits taxable?
A: Yes, EI sickness benefits are considered taxable income. You’ll receive a T4E statement for tax filing purposes. You can opt to have income tax deducted from your benefits automatically.
Q: What happens if I need to travel outside Canada during my recovery?
A: Generally, you cannot receive EI sickness benefits while outside Canada. Exceptions exist for medical treatment unavailable in Canada or life-threatening emergencies involving immediate family members.
Q: Can I receive both EI sickness benefits and Workers’ Compensation at the same time?
A: No, you cannot receive both simultaneously for the same illness or injury. Workers’ Compensation typically takes precedence for work-related injuries or illnesses.
Q: What if my application is denied?
A: You have the right to request reconsideration within 30 days of receiving the decision. If still denied, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal within 30 days of the reconsideration decision.
Q: Do I need to look for work while receiving EI sickness benefits?
A: No. Unlike regular EI benefits, sickness benefits do not require you to search for employment. Your only obligation is to focus on recovery and remain unable to work due to your medical condition.
Maximizing Your Benefits: Tips and Strategies
Making the most of EI sickness benefits involves understanding both the program specifics and how to integrate them with other support systems.
Combining with Other Support Programs
To maximize your financial stability during recovery:
- Coordinate with supplementary insurance: Many workplace benefit plans offer supplementary health and disability coverage that can work alongside EI sickness benefits. These might include:
- Short-term disability insurance that tops up EI benefits
- Extended health benefits covering medications and therapies
- Critical illness insurance providing lump-sum payments
- Explore tax credits and deductions: Several tax measures can help offset costs:
- Medical Expense Tax Credit for qualifying healthcare costs
- Disability Tax Credit for severe and prolonged impairments
- Home Accessibility Tax Credit for recovery-related home modifications
- Provincial programs: Each province offers additional supports that complement federal EI benefits:
- Prescription drug coverage programs
- Home care and recovery support services
- Transportation assistance for medical appointments
- Non-profit and community resources: Many organizations provide targeted support:
- Disease-specific foundations offering financial assistance
- Community organizations providing practical recovery support
- Local food banks and housing assistance programs
Creating a comprehensive support plan that combines these resources provides more complete financial protection during your recovery period.
Planning for Financial Stability During Recovery
Proactive financial management during your benefit period helps minimize financial stress:
- Budget adjustment: Create a modified budget reflecting:
- Reduced income during the benefit period
- Potentially increased medical expenses
- Timeline for return to full earnings
- Expense prioritization: Identify:
- Essential expenses that must be maintained
- Discretionary spending that can be temporarily reduced
- Payment obligations that might qualify for hardship programs
- Communication with creditors: Many financial institutions offer:
- Temporary payment reductions for loans and mortgages
- Interest rate reductions during hardship periods
- Fee waivers during documented medical leaves
- Future planning: Consider how this experience informs:
- Emergency fund development after recovery
- Potential supplementary disability insurance needs
- Workplace benefit selections during future enrollment periods
Working with a financial advisor or credit counselor can help develop a personalized strategy for managing finances during your benefit period and recovery.
Recovery Without Financial Worry
EI sickness benefits represent an important part of Canada’s social safety net, providing temporary financial support when health challenges prevent you from working. With payments up to $695 weekly for up to 26 weeks, these benefits offer meaningful assistance during recovery periods.
Understanding the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and ongoing obligations helps ensure you can access these benefits when needed and maintain them throughout your recovery period. While navigating health challenges is never easy, having financial support in place allows you to focus on what matters most – regaining your health and returning to your normal activities.
Whether you’re currently facing a health challenge or simply planning for potential future needs, familiarity with the EI sickness benefits program provides valuable peace of mind. Combined with other support systems like employer benefits, community resources, and family assistance, these benefits help create a comprehensive safety net during challenging times.
Remember that recovery journeys rarely follow a straight line – flexibility, open communication with healthcare providers and employers, and awareness of available resources all contribute to both physical recovery and financial stability during health-related work absences.