EI Sickness Benefits in Canada: Eligibility and How to Apply

Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits provide temporary income support for Canadians who cannot work due to illness, injury, or quarantine. Understanding eligibility and the application process helps you access benefits without delay. To qualify, you must have accumulated at least 600 insurable hours in the 52 weeks before your claim (or since your last claim), be unable to work due to sickness, injury, or quarantine, and have your regular earnings reduced by more than 40%. EI sickness benefits provide up to 26 weeks of income support at 55% of your average insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $668 per week (2025 rate - check Service Canada for updates). There is a one-week waiting period before benefits begin. To apply, you need a medical certificate (Service Canada form or equivalent) signed by a licensed physician. This can be obtained through a telehealth appointment. Apply online through Service Canada as soon as possible - delays in applying can delay your benefits. Important distinctions: EI sickness benefits and short-term disability (STD) insurance are different programs. STD is employer-provided insurance; EI sickness benefits are government-funded. You cannot collect both simultaneously for the same period. If you are denied benefits, you have the right to appeal through Service Canada\'s reconsideration process. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.