EI Sickness Benefits Canada 2026: Eligibility, Payment Amounts & How to Apply

If an illness, injury, quarantine, or another medical condition prevents you from working in Canada, EI sickness benefits can provide temporary income while you recover. In 2026, eligible workers can receive up to 55% of their insurable earnings, to a maximum of $729 per week, for up to 26 weeks.

EI sickness benefits are part of Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program and are designed for workers who have to stop working, or experience a significant reduction in earnings, because of medical reasons.

This guide explains who qualifies, how much you could receive, how the benefit is calculated, what documents you need, how to apply, when payments begin, and what happens if your situation changes.

What Are EI Sickness Benefits?

EI sickness benefits are temporary Employment Insurance payments for eligible workers who are unable to work because of a medical condition.

The medical reason can include:

• Illness
• Injury
• Quarantine
• Another medical condition that prevents you from working

You generally need to demonstrate that your regular weekly earnings have decreased by more than 40% for at least one week and that you have accumulated enough insurable employment hours.

The program is particularly important when an employer does not provide enough paid sick leave or short-term disability coverage to replace your income.

Before applying, check whether your employer offers:

• Paid sick leave
• Short-term disability insurance
• A wage-loss replacement plan
• An employer top-up for EI benefits

Employer plans can affect how much income you receive while you are off work, so it is worth understanding your workplace benefits before relying only on EI.

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EI Sickness Benefits 2026 at a Glance

Feature	2026 amount or rule
Maximum benefit period	Up to 26 weeks
Basic benefit rate	55% of average insurable weekly earnings
Maximum weekly benefit	$729
Insurable earnings ceiling	$68,900
Required insurable hours	600 hours
Earnings reduction requirement	More than 40% for at least 1 week
Medical certificate	Required
Application	Online through Service Canada
Temporary waiting-period rule	Waived for eligible new claims starting March 30, 2025 through October 10, 2026

The $68,900 maximum insurable earnings figure applies from January 1, 2026, and the maximum EI weekly benefit is $729.

The temporary waiting-period measure is especially relevant in 2026. For new EI claims beginning between March 30, 2025 and October 10, 2026, the normal one-week waiting period is waived.

Who Is Eligible for EI Sickness Benefits in Canada?

You must meet several conditions to qualify for EI sickness benefits.

1. You must be unable to work for medical reasons

Your medical condition must prevent you from working. This could be because of an illness, injury, quarantine, or another qualifying medical condition.

You need medical documentation confirming your inability to work and, where possible, the expected duration of your incapacity.

2. Your earnings must have decreased by more than 40%

Your regular weekly earnings from work must have decreased by more than 40% for at least one week because of your medical condition.

This requirement is important because EI sickness benefits are intended to replace part of the income you lose when you cannot work.

3. You need at least 600 insured hours

You generally need 600 hours of insurable employment during the 52 weeks before the beginning of your claim, or since the start of your previous EI claim, whichever period is shorter.

For example, if you worked 30 insurable hours per week for 20 weeks, you would have accumulated 600 hours.

The hours must be insurable. Not every type of work or income automatically counts toward EI eligibility.

4. You must remain otherwise available for work

While receiving sickness benefits, you must remain otherwise available for work if your medical condition did not prevent you from working. In other words, your medical condition prevents you from working, rather than simply choosing not to work.

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What Medical Conditions Qualify for EI Sickness Benefits?

There is not a simple list of illnesses that automatically qualify someone.

The key question is whether your medical condition prevents you from working.

Examples can include:

• Physical illness
• Serious injury
• Recovery from surgery
• Mental health conditions
• Pregnancy-related health complications
• Quarantine situations
• Other medical conditions that make you unable to work

You must provide a medical certificate from an appropriate medical professional confirming your incapacity and, where known, its expected duration.

For pregnancy-related health complications, sickness benefits may be relevant in some circumstances. However, maternity benefits may apply instead depending on the situation and eligibility requirements.

How Much Are EI Sickness Benefits in 2026?

The standard EI sickness benefit rate is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, subject to the 2026 maximum of $729 per week.

A simplified calculation is:

Average insurable weekly earnings × 55% = estimated weekly EI sickness benefit

However, Service Canada does not simply take your latest weekly paycheque and multiply it by 55%.

The actual calculation can use your highest-paid weeks during the qualifying period.

Example of EI Sickness Benefit Calculation

Suppose your relevant average insurable weekly earnings are $1,000.

Your basic calculation would be:

$1,000 × 55% = $550 per week

So your estimated EI sickness benefit would be about $550 per week before applicable deductions.

If your calculated benefit were $800 per week, the 2026 maximum would limit your payment to $729 per week.

The maximum exists because EI benefits are calculated against the annual maximum insurable earnings amount of $68,900 for 2026.

How Does Service Canada Calculate Your EI Payment?

If your earnings are consistent, estimating your EI sickness benefit can be relatively straightforward. If your income changes from week to week, the calculation is more complicated.

Service Canada uses a specific number of your highest-paid weeks, known as your best weeks. Depending on the unemployment rate in your EI economic region, the calculation can use between 14 and 22 weeks.

The basic process is:

1. Service Canada identifies the applicable best weeks.
2. Your insurable earnings from those weeks are added together.
3. The total is divided by the applicable number of weeks.
4. The resulting average is multiplied by 55%.
5. The amount is subject to the $729 weekly maximum for 2026.

This means someone with fluctuating income should not assume that simply taking their latest paycheque and multiplying it by 55% will produce the actual EI payment.

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Can Low-Income Families Receive More?

Some claimants may qualify for the EI family supplement.

You may be eligible if:

• Your annual net family income is $25,921 or less
• You have at least one child under 18
• You or your spouse receive the Canada Child Benefit

The family supplement is added automatically when you qualify. However, your total weekly EI amount cannot exceed the applicable maximum of $729 in 2026.

How Long Can You Receive EI Sickness Benefits?

In 2026, eligible claimants can receive sickness benefits for up to 26 weeks.

However, 26 weeks is a maximum, not an automatic entitlement. The number of weeks you actually receive depends on how long you remain unable to work and continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

For example:

• If you are medically unable to work for 4 weeks, you may receive benefits for that period.
• If your medical certificate supports a longer absence, benefits may continue, subject to the program’s rules.
• If you recover before using all 26 weeks, your sickness benefits can end earlier.

If your condition is expected to be long-term or permanent, EI sickness benefits may not be the only program you should investigate. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to consider programs such as Canada Pension Plan disability benefits or Québec Pension Plan disability benefits.

How to Apply for EI Sickness Benefits

You should apply as soon as possible after you stop working because of your medical condition.

Service Canada states that if you wait more than four weeks after your last day of work to apply, you may lose benefits. You should not delay the application simply because you are still collecting documents.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

You will generally need:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Employer names and addresses from the previous 52 weeks
• Employment dates
• Reasons you stopped working
• Mailing and residential addresses
• Banking information for direct deposit
• Details about previous employment or EI claims

You may also need information about any employer-provided sick leave or other payments.

Step 2: Get a Medical Certificate

A medical certificate signed by your treating medical professional is required.

The certificate can use Service Canada’s official form or the medical professional’s own form, provided it contains the required information.

The certificate should identify you and indicate the start date and expected duration of your incapacity, when known.

Depending on the situation, eligible professionals can include doctors, nurse practitioners, psychologists, dentists, midwives, chiropractors, optometrists, podiatrists and certain registered nurses or public health authorities.

The medical professional may charge you for the certificate, and Service Canada does not reimburse that fee.

Keep your medical certificate for six years if Service Canada does not immediately request it.

Step 3: Submit the Online Application

Complete the EI sickness benefits application through the Government of Canada’s Employment Insurance service.

The online application takes about one hour. If you cannot finish it in one session, your application information is saved for 72 hours.

Do not wait for your Record of Employment or any supporting document before applying.

Electronic Records of Employment are normally sent directly to Service Canada by employers. If you have paper ROEs, you may need to submit them after applying.

Step 4: Submit Requested Documents

If Service Canada asks for your medical certificate or another document, provide it through the available submission methods.

You can upload certain documents through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or submit documents by mail or at a Service Canada office.

Step 5: Monitor Your Application

After applying, you will receive a benefit statement and a four-digit access code by mail.

You can use your SIN and access code to complete EI reports and follow up on your claim. Receiving the statement does not itself mean your application has been approved.

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When Will EI Sickness Benefits Start?

For eligible claims, Service Canada says the first payment generally arrives about 28 days after you apply, provided all required information has been received and the claim is approved.

Normally, EI has a one-week waiting period. However, an important temporary measure applies in 2026.

For new EI claims beginning between March 30, 2025 and October 10, 2026, the waiting period is waived. This means eligible claimants do not normally have to go unpaid for the first week because of the standard waiting period.

Because this is a temporary measure, anyone applying near or after the October 10, 2026 end date should verify the current rule with Service Canada.

Are EI Sickness Benefits Taxable?

Yes. EI payments are taxable income.

Federal and applicable provincial or territorial income tax is deducted from EI payments. You will also receive a T4E tax slip showing the EI benefits paid and income tax deducted.

One useful distinction is that the special-benefit repayment rules are not the same as the rules for EI regular benefits. Canada.ca states that sickness benefits are exempt from the benefit repayment provisions that can apply to certain high-income recipients of regular EI benefits.

Because tax is deducted at source, the amount deposited into your bank account can be lower than your calculated gross EI benefit.

Can You Work While Receiving EI Sickness Benefits?

If you earn money while receiving EI sickness benefits, you generally need to report those earnings.

Under the applicable EI earnings rules, earnings can reduce your EI payment. For sickness benefits, earnings are generally deducted at a rate of 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned, subject to specific limits and exceptions.

Do not assume that a small amount of work can be ignored.

If your medical condition changes and you are able to return to work, you should report the change to Service Canada. Continuing to receive benefits when you are no longer eligible can result in an overpayment that you may have to repay.

What Happens If You Recover Early?

Your EI sickness benefits should not continue simply because you were originally approved for a certain number of weeks.

Benefits can stop when:

• You no longer need to be away from work because of your medical condition
• You reach the maximum number of sickness benefit weeks
• You reach the end of your claim period
• You reach another applicable EI benefit limit

If your recovery occurs earlier than expected, contact Service Canada and update your situation. If you need more time away from work, you should also report that change.

What If You Need More Than 26 Weeks Off?

EI sickness benefits are limited to a maximum of 26 weeks. If your medical condition prevents you from working for longer, you may need to investigate other sources of income support.

Depending on your circumstances, this could include:

• Employer long-term disability coverage
• Private disability insurance
• Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits
• Québec Pension Plan disability benefits
• Other federal, provincial or territorial assistance

EI sickness benefits are therefore best viewed as temporary income support, rather than a permanent disability program.

What If Your EI Sickness Claim Is Denied?

If Service Canada denies your application and you believe the decision is incorrect, you can request reconsideration.

The request should generally be submitted within 30 days after the decision was communicated to you.

If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you may be able to appeal to the Employment Insurance Board of Appeal of Canada. As of April 1, 2026, the EI Board of Appeal replaced the Social Security Tribunal’s General Division for EI appeals.

Keep copies of your medical documentation, employment records and communications. Clear documentation can be useful if your eligibility or medical incapacity is disputed.

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EI Sickness Benefits vs Employer Sick Leave

EI sickness benefits and employer sick leave are not necessarily the same thing.

Feature	EI Sickness Benefits	Employer Sick Leave
Provider	Government of Canada	Employer
Main purpose	Temporary income support	Workplace sick leave
Standard EI rate	55% of insurable earnings	Depends on employer plan
2026 maximum EI	$729/week	Depends on employer
Medical documentation	Required	Depends on employer
Maximum EI sickness period	Up to 26 weeks	Depends on workplace policy

Some employers provide paid sick days, short-term disability coverage or an EI top-up. Therefore, check your employment contract, benefits handbook or HR department before deciding how to structure your leave.

Practical Example

Consider an employee named Sarah who becomes unable to work because of an illness.

She has:

• More than 600 insurable hours
• Average insurable weekly earnings of $1,000
• A medical certificate confirming that she cannot work
• A reduction in regular weekly earnings of more than 40%

Her estimated EI sickness benefit would be:

$1,000 × 55% = $550 per week

If she remains eligible for 10 weeks, her gross EI sickness benefits would be approximately:

$550 × 10 = $5,500

This is a simplified example. The actual benefit amount is determined by Service Canada using the claimant’s insurable earnings and applicable best-week calculation, and taxes may be deducted from payments.

Tips for Applying for EI Sickness Benefits

Apply promptly

Do not wait several weeks before starting your application. Applying more than four weeks after your last day of work can result in lost benefits.

Check your employer’s benefits first

You may have access to paid sick leave, short-term disability insurance or an employer top-up.

Keep your medical documentation

Even if Service Canada does not immediately request the certificate, keep it for six years.

Keep your ROE information organized

Your Record of Employment helps Service Canada determine your eligibility and benefit amount. Electronic ROEs are normally sent directly by your employer.

Report changes

Tell Service Canada if you recover, return to work, earn money or need additional time away.

Don’t rely on the maximum payment

The $729 weekly figure is a ceiling, not the amount everyone receives. Your actual benefit depends on your insurable earnings and the applicable calculation.

Final Takeaway

EI sickness benefits provide temporary financial support to eligible Canadian workers who cannot work because of illness, injury, quarantine or another medical condition.

For 2026, the key figures are straightforward: you generally need 600 insurable hours, your regular weekly earnings must have fallen by more than 40%, and the standard benefit rate is 55% of insurable earnings, up to $729 per week. Benefits can be paid for up to 26 weeks.

The most important practical step is to apply promptly and have your medical documentation ready. Your actual benefit amount depends on your employment and earnings history, so the $729 maximum should not be treated as a guaranteed payment.

Because EI rules and temporary measures can change, especially around the October 10, 2026 end date for the current waiting-period waiver, applicants should confirm their circumstances with the Government of Canada’s current EI guidance before making financial decisions.