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EI Sickness Benefits: Up to 26 Weeks and How to Apply

EI sickness benefits pay up to 26 weeks if you can't work for medical reasons, at 55% of your earnings up to $729 a week. You need 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks, a drop in earnings of more than 40%, and a medical certificate from a doctor or other approved professional.

By Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

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Who can sign the medical certificate

A medical doctor, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, podiatrist, optometrist, psychologist, dentist, midwife, or a registered nurse in isolated areas. They must practise in Canada or the U.S. They may charge a fee, which isn't reimbursed.

Who qualifies

  • You can't work for medical reasons: illness, injury or quarantine.
  • Your regular weekly earnings dropped by more than 40% for at least one week.
  • You have 600 insured hours in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim.

Long-term condition?

If your condition is long-term or permanent, look at CPP disability benefits.

Step by step

  1. Check for employer sick leave first.

    Some employers have paid sick leave or short-term disability plans.

  2. Get a medical certificate.

    Service Canada's form or the professional's own, with the start date and expected length of your incapacity.

  3. Apply online as soon as you stop working.

    Applying more than 4 weeks after your last day can cost you benefits.

  4. Keep your certificate for 6 years.

    Send it if Service Canada asks for it.

Phone numbers

Employment Insurance (automated info 24/7, press 0 for an officer)

1-800-206-7218

Officers: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Automated service: 24/7.

From outside Canada and the U.S.: 1-877-486-1650

TTY: 1-800-529-3742

Related

Employment Insurance (EI) 2026: Who Qualifies and How Much Employment Insurance pays up to 55% of your average insurable earnings, to a maximum of $729 a week in 2026, if you lose your job through no fault of your own or can't work because of illness, a new child or caring for someone. Most people need 420 to 700 insured work hours. How to Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) Online Apply online as soon as you stop working: waiting more than 4 weeks after your last day can cost you benefits. The application takes about 1 hour. You need your SIN, addresses, banking details and your employment details for the past 52 weeks. How to Apply for CPP Disability Benefits: Step by Step CPP disability is for people 18 to 65 whose disability stops them from working at any job regularly and is long-term or likely to cause death, and who have enough CPP contributions. Apply online or on paper, and have your doctor or nurse practitioner complete the medical report. The standard decision time is 120 days.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I get EI sickness benefits?

Up to 26 weeks, depending on how long you are unable to work.

Can I get sickness benefits while pregnant?

Yes, if you have health complications during pregnancy you may qualify for sickness or maternity benefits.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.