Out Sick? EI Benefits Can Pay Up to $695 a Week While You Heal

Unable to Work? EI Sickness Benefits Can Pay Up to $695/Week for Your Recovery

Life is full of surprises. One moment you’re healthy and working, and the next, an unexpected illness or injury could keep you off the job. Thankfully, Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits provide crucial financial support, offering up to $695 per week so you can concentrate on getting better without worrying about your finances.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, coping with a serious illness, or required to quarantine, EI sickness benefits are there to help ease the burden. But you might wonder: How do you qualify? What’s the process to apply? Are there other resources available to support you during this time?

This comprehensive guide clearly explains everything you need to know, simplifying the steps to ensure you quickly and effectively secure the financial assistance you deserve.

EI Sickness Benefits can provide essential financial relief of up to $695 per week for as long as 26 weeks when medical conditions prevent you from working. The application is streamlined and user-friendly, though it requires critical documentation such as a medical certificate and information from your employer. Even if you find yourself ineligible or needing longer-term assistance, numerous other financial support programs are available to help you through difficult times. Illness recovery is challenging enough—your financial situation shouldn’t add stress. Submit your application promptly, carefully review your documents, and follow each step closely to ensure you receive the vital support you deserve!

Feature	Details
Maximum Weekly Benefit	Up to $695 per week
Percentage of Earnings Covered	55% of your average insurable weekly earnings
Benefit Duration	Up to 26 weeks (previously 15 weeks)
Eligibility Criteria	– Unable to work for medical reasons- Regular weekly earnings reduced by more than 40%– 600+ hours of insurable employment in the last 52 weeks or since the start of your last claim
Application Process	Online through the Government of Canada website
Medical Documentation	A medical certificate from a doctor or approved medical practitioner is required
Waiting Period	1 week (unpaid) before benefits begin
Other Financial Aid Options	CPP Disability, Workers’ Compensation, Private Insurance, and Provincial Sick Leave Programs

Understanding EI Sickness Benefits

How Much Can You Receive? EI sickness benefits replace 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week.

Example:

• If your weekly earnings are $800, you’ll receive $440 per week in EI sickness benefits.
• If you earn $1,500 weekly, your benefit is capped at the maximum $695 per week.

Duration of Benefits You can now claim EI sickness benefits for up to 26 weeks, an increase from the previous 15 weeks, recognizing that some medical conditions require extended recovery time.

Eligibility Criteria To qualify for EI sickness benefits, you must:

• Be unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine.
• Experience at least a 40% reduction in your regular weekly earnings.
• Have accumulated at least 600 insured work hours within the past 52 weeks.
• Provide a medical certificate from a qualified healthcare professional.

Note: If you do not meet the 600-hour requirement, you might still qualify for alternative support such as provincial sick leave or disability programs.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide) Applying for EI sickness benefits is straightforward, but accuracy and completeness are essential to avoid delays:

Step 1: Gather Essential Documents Collect the following:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Banking details for direct deposit
• Employer information for the past 52 weeks
• Medical certificate confirming your condition

Step 2: Complete Online Application Apply online through the Government of Canada’s EI Sickness Benefits page. It typically takes about one hour.

Tip: Apply immediately after you stop working, even if your Record of Employment (ROE) isn’t ready.

Step 3: Submit Additional Documentation Your employer usually sends the ROE electronically; otherwise, request a manual copy and submit it. Ensure your medical certificate is also submitted.

Step 4: Receive Your Benefit Statement After your application, you’ll receive a four-digit access code. Use this code to track your application and submit required biweekly reports.

Step 5: Begin Receiving Payments Expect your first EI payment around 28 days after application if all documents and information are correctly submitted. Payments will be made via direct deposit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying application (beyond four weeks after stopping work)
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect employer information
• Not providing the required medical certificate
• Neglecting biweekly reporting requirements

Avoiding these common errors can significantly speed up your benefit approval.

Other Financial Support Options If you do not qualify for EI sickness benefits or require support beyond 26 weeks, consider:

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits for long-term conditions
• Workers’ Compensation for work-related injuries
• Private Short-Term Disability Insurance, if available through your employer
• Provincial sick leave programs, where applicable

Returning to Work When you’re ready to return to work, options include:

• Gradual return with part-time hours initially
• Workplace accommodations such as reduced workload or remote work
• Work-Sharing Benefits program for working reduced hours while receiving EI support

Important: Notify Service Canada if your return-to-work date changes.

FAQs About EI Sickness Benefits

 Q1: Can I receive EI sickness benefits during maternity leave? 

No, but you might qualify for EI maternity or parental benefits.

Q2: Can I work part-time while receiving EI sickness benefits?

 Yes, but any earnings will reduce your EI benefit payments.

Q3: Are EI sickness benefits taxable? 

Yes, they are subject to both federal and provincial taxation.

Q4: What if I require more than 26 weeks of support?

 Explore long-term disability options through CPP disability or private insurance coverage.