EI Sickness Benefits in Canada (2026 Guide)

If you’re off work because of an illness, injury, or medical condition, employment insurance (EI) sickness benefits can give you temporary financial support.

This guide explains exactly how EI sickness benefits work in Canada, who qualifies, how to apply, what forms you need, and what happens after they end — including whether you can switch to regular EI or short-term disability (STD).

EI Sickness Benefits: What are They?

EI sickness benefits provide temporary income replacement when you can’t work due to a medical reason. The federal government extended the program from 15 weeks to 26 weeks.

Quick Facts:

• Up to 26 weeks of benefits
• You receive 55% of your average insurable earnings
• Maximum payment: $695 per week (as of 2025)
• A medical certificate is required
• A one-week waiting period usually applies
• You must show your illness or injury is the reason you can’t work

Who’s Eligible for EI Sickness Benefits?

You may qualify if you:

• Have accumulated at least 420 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks
• Can show your income dropped by more than 40% due to illness or injury
• Provide a medical certificate from an approved medical professional
• Have a valid Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer
• Aren’t receiving full pay from work

Eligibility Checklist

You’re likely eligible for EI sickness benefits if:

• You had insurable employment
• You paid EI premiums
• You can’t work for medical reasons
• You have all required documents (medical certificate, ROE)
• You apply as soon as possible after stopping work

How Long can I Access EI Sickness Benefits?

You can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits. This replaced the old 15-week limit, which is why you may still see outdated information online.

Can I Extend Beyond 26 Weeks?

Currently, there’s no extension program. You may, however, transition to:

• Regular EI (if you qualify)
• Short-term disability benefits (through your employer or insurer)
• Long-term disability benefits (if applicable)
• CPP Disability (if you have a severe and prolonged disability)

EI Sickness Benefits Pay

If you’re eligible for EI sickness benefits, you normally receive:

• 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings
• Maximum of $695 per week (as of 2025)

(There’s no official calculator, but the CRA has an EI benefit estimator on its website.)

Am I Still Able to Work?

Yes, you can work while accessing EI sickness benefits, but you must report all earnings.

Service Canada will deduct 50 cents on every dollar you earn — above a small exemption.

Failing to report earnings can lead to penalties.

EI Sickness Benefits: When to Apply

You should apply for EI sickness benefits as soon as you stop working, even if you:

• Don’t have your medical certificate yet
• Don’t have your ROE yet

Service Canada allows you to submit these documents later.

Applying for EI Sickness Benefits (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to avoid delays and get approved faster:

1. Get Your ROE (Record of Employment)

Your employer sends this electronically to Service Canada in most cases.

2. Get a Medical Certificate

Approved professionals include:

• Doctors
• Nurse practitioners
• Psychologists (in some cases)
• Other regulated professionals depending on the condition

The certificate must confirm you can’t work due to a medical condition.

3. Apply Online Through Service Canada

You’ll need your:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Banking info (for direct deposit)
• Employment history
• Your last day worked
• Medical certificate (if available)

4. Submit Your Documents

If you didn’t have your doctor’s note or ROE at the time of application, send them as soon as possible.

EI Sickness Benefits: Forms You Need

You may be asked for:

• A medical certificate — INS5140 (standard Service Canada form)
• Your ROE (submitted by employer)
• Direct deposit form (optional)

EI Sickness Benefits Ran Out? Next Steps

This is one of the most-searched questions in Canada.

Can You Get Regular EI After It Ends?

Yes — but only if you qualify.

To receive regular EI, you:

• Must have enough insurable hours
• Must be ready, willing, and able to work
• Must be actively job-searching
• Can’t be medically unable to work

Making the Switch to Regular EI

If your health improves before the 26-week period ends, you can request a conversion to regular EI.

Switching from EI Sickness Benefits to Short-Term Disability

Many employees in Canada move from EI sickness benefits to:

• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)

Insurance benefits usually pay more than EI, and can continue for months or years. If an insurance company denies or cuts off your STD or LTD benefits, speak with a disability lawyer.

Medical Certificates

You must provide a medical certificate confirming:

• Your diagnosis (not required in detail, just general)
• Your inability to work
• Start date of your condition
• Estimated recovery timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Work While on EI Sickness Benefits?

Yes — but you must report all earnings.

Can EI Sickness Benefits be Extended?

No. You can receive up to 26 weeks only.

What’s the Waiting Period for EI Sickness Benefits?

One week with no payment — unless waived in limited situations.

How Long do EI Sickness Benefits Last?

Employees in Canada can access these benefits for up to 26 weeks.

Can I Get Regular EI After?

Yes — but only if you’re medically able to work and have enough hours.

What if I’m not Ready to Return to Work?

If your EI sickness benefits run out, and you aren’t ready to return to work, look into STD, LTD, or CPP Disability.

Get Legal Help

If your insurance company denies your short-term or long-term disability claim after EI sickness benefits, or you are fired or lose your job while on EI, you have options.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we help people across Canada get the disability benefits they’re owed. We also get full severance pay — up to 24 months — for non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and BC.

Over 50,000 Canadians have turned to us for help.

📞 Call 1-855-821-5900 or use our consultation form today.