Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits
EI Sickness
A federal program that provides up to 26 weeks of income replacement if you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine.
Useful Tips for Applying
• Apply as soon as you stop working; do not wait until you feel better • You can apply online 24/7 through My Service Canada Account • Ask your doctor to complete the medical certificate promptly to avoid delays • Set up direct deposit before you apply to get payments faster • Keep a record of your application confirmation number • If denied, you have the right to appeal; contact a Service Canada office for help
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if: • You are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine • You have worked enough insurable hours (generally 600 hours in the past 52 weeks) • Your regular weekly earnings have decreased by more than 40% • You are not receiving other EI benefits at the same time
Required Documents
• Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer • Medical certificate from your doctor confirming you are unable to work • Social Insurance Number • Banking information for direct deposit
How to Apply
1. Apply online through My Service Canada Account as soon as you stop working 2. Provide your ROE (your employer may submit it electronically) 3. Have your doctor complete a medical certificate 4. Submit your application within 4 weeks of stopping work to avoid delays 5. Wait for a decision (usually 28 days)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Waiting too long to apply; delays can reduce your benefits • Not applying even if you think you won't qualify • Forgetting to submit bi-weekly reports while receiving benefits • Not having your ROE ready • Thinking you need to be permanently disabled; this is for temporary illness too
Preparing an application?
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
You may also be eligible for…
CPP Children's Benefit
A monthly payment to the dependent children of someone receiving the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit, or of a deceased CPP contributor.
View detailsCanada Disability Savings Grant
A federal matching grant paid into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The government matches your contributions at 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 depending on family income.
View detailsCanada Disability Savings Bond
Money the Government of Canada pays directly into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for low- and modest-income Canadians with disabilities — no contribution required.
View detailsApplication denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
Resources in this area
DTC Help by BJ Clancy
DTC Help by BJ Clancy is an independent Facebook resource focused on Canada's Disability Tax Credit (DTC). In addition to sharing information and answering questions about the DTC, BJ Clancy can help people understand and work through the DTC application forms and process. The page also provides a space for people to ask questions and discuss their experiences with the Disability Tax Credit. Independent resource. Not affiliated with the Canada Revenue Agency or the Government of Canada.
View details Financial AssistanceRDSP Connect
RDSP Connect is a private service that helps people understand Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) eligibility and navigate the RDSP process. Services include a free consultation to review eligibility, help completing the documentation to open an RDSP, and ongoing support with planning contributions and investments with the goal of maximizing Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds. Each year, RDSP Connect reviews the client's Grant and Bond Entitlement Statement with them, and can point people to resources for Disability Tax Credit (DTC) questions. RDSP Connect is not a government service and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or with Accessible Compass. This listing is for information only — it is not an endorsement, and Accessible Compass does not guarantee any outcome, including DTC or RDSP approval or any financial result.
View details Financial AssistanceSlinn Tax
Slinn Tax provides virtual tax services with a focus on Canadians who have been approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The service offers reviews of DTC-approved tax years to help identify potentially missed tax credits, deductions, benefits, adjustments, and eligible family transfers. Slinn Tax also provides personal income tax preparation and disability-related tax resources. Slinn Tax is an independent, third-party tax service — it is not a government program and is not an Accessible Compass service. Accessible Compass does not provide, endorse, or guarantee the professional services offered by this provider.
View detailsAccessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
