Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits
EI Sickness
A federal program that provides up to 26 weeks of income replacement if you cannot work for medical reasons. It pays 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $729 a week.
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. You must provide a medical certificate showing that you cannot work for medical reasons and for approximately how long. Check with your employer first about paid sick leave or a short-term disability plan, since those may cover part of the period. If your condition is long-term or permanent, CPP disability benefits, or QPP disability benefits in Quebec, may fit better. If you have health complications in pregnancy you may qualify for sickness or maternity benefits.
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…
Severe Permanent Disability Benefit
May cancel the repayment of federal and provincial student loans for borrowers whose severe permanent disability prevents them from studying and working.
View detailsRepayment Assistance Plan for Borrowers with Disabilities
Helps student loan borrowers with disabilities who are struggling to repay by reducing or pausing monthly payments based on income and family size, with an extended eligibility period.
View detailsCanada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Disabilities
Up to $20,000 per school year for disability-related services and equipment needed to take part in post-secondary education, such as assistive technology, tutors, note-takers, and sign language interpreters.
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.
National resources
HealStroke: Stroke Recovery — Stroke Technology, Inc.
HealStroke is a mobile app for adults after stroke and adult caregivers. Publisher-described features include daily recovery organization, reminders, guided practice and progress records. Free download with in-app purchases. It supports education and self-management alongside professional care; no independent clinical-effectiveness or accessibility certification is claimed.
View detailsStepSafe Technologies Inc.
StepSafe makes a matchbox-sized cellular GPS tracker for children with autism, ADHD or Down syndrome who are prone to wandering (elopement). Parents see live location in an app, get alerts when a child leaves a safe zone, and the microphone is permanently disabled for privacy. Locking wristband and waistband wearables are in development. Devices ship to families in Canada and the US starting February 2027. We also offer a free wandering Safety Kit for parents (printable ID card, safety plan and checklists) at stepsafetech.com/resources.
View detailsFind A Doctor Canada
Find A Doctor Canada is a free, independent online search tool for exploring family-doctor, walk-in clinic and other primary-care options across Canada. Searching for a family doctor can add another burden for people already managing a disability or supporting a loved one — this tool lets users search by location and care type, review reported availability and source notes, and contact clinics directly. It is a navigation tool, not a clinic or medical service; current intake, eligibility and accessibility arrangements must be confirmed with each provider, and acceptance is not guaranteed.
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.
