EI Sickness Benefits Offer Up to $695/Week – Get the Support You Need While Recovering

Life can turn on a dime. You’re working one day, and the next, a sudden illness or accident knocks you out.

In times like these, EI Sickness Benefits in Canada provide vital financial assistance, paying up to $695 weekly for up to 26 weeks so you can concentrate on getting well without the stress of lost income.

This guide contains everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and other financial support alternatives.

EI Sickness Benefits Overview

If you can’t work because of an illness, EI Sickness Benefits can help you get some money.

This benefit is for people who are sick, hurt, or quarantined, so they won’t struggle financially while they recover. Here’s a brief overview of the main details:

Feature	Details
Maximum Weekly Benefit	Up to $695 per week
Percentage of Earnings	55% of your average insurable weekly earnings
Benefit Duration	Up to 26 weeks (previously 15 weeks)
Eligibility Criteria	– Unable to work due to medical reasons – Income reduced by 40%+ – 600+ insurable hours
Application Process	Submit an application online through the Government of Canada website
Medical Documentation	A medical certificate from a doctor or authorized medical professional is required
Waiting Period	1 week (unpaid) before benefits begin
Other Financial Aid	CPP Disability, Workers’ Compensation, Private Insurance, Provincial Sick Leave Programs

How Much Financial Assistance Can You Receive?

EI Sickness Benefits provide 55% of your weekly average earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week.

Example:

• If you make $800 a week, you’ll get $440 a week in benefits.
• If you make $1,500 a week, you’ll get the maximum $695 a week (since it’s capped).

How Long Can You Get EI Sickness Benefits?

The number of weeks for which you qualify to receive benefits has been increased to 26 weeks from the former 15 weeks. This is an adjustment to the fact that recovery from some illnesses or injuries takes longer.

Eligibility for EI Sickness Benefits: Do You Qualify?

In order to be eligible for EI Sickness Benefits, ensure that you fulfill the following conditions:

1. Medical Condition Keeps You from Working
Your injury, illness, or quarantine has to keep you from working.

2. Loss of Income
Your weekly earnings during ordinary weekly work must be less by at least 40% or more.

3. Minimum Work Hours
You must have worked at least 600 hours in insurable employment in the last 52 weeks or since the beginning of your last claim.

4. Medical Certification
You will need to include a medical certificate signed by a doctor or an approved healthcare professional to verify your condition.

Note: If you don’t fulfill the 600-hour requirement, you might become eligible for alternative financial assistance schemes such as provincial sick leave or disability benefits.

How to Apply for EI Sickness Benefits: Step-by-Step Process

The process of application is straightforward but demanding in terms of accurate information so as not to cause delays. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Prior to applying, compile the following:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Banking details for direct deposit
• Details of your employers for the preceding 52 weeks
• Medical certificate signed by your physician

Step 2: Apply Online

You may apply online on the Government of Canada’s website. It will take you around an hour to finish.

Pro Tip: Apply as soon as you cease working. You don’t have to wait for the Record of Employment (ROE) to apply.

Step 3: Submit Documents

If your employer transmits your ROE electronically, you won’t have to do anything. Otherwise, you have to apply for and send a copy. Your medical certificate may also be needed.

Step 4: Get a Benefit Statement

Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive a four-digit access code to monitor your application and enter biweekly reports.

Step 5: Get Paid

Your initial payment will usually be received in approximately 28 days if everything is in order. Payments are by direct deposit.

Avoidable Common Mistakes

To prevent delays, make sure to:

• Apply within 4 weeks of ceasing work
• Give accurate and complete information, particularly employer information
• Submit your medical certificate
• Don’t forget to send fortnightly reports

What Other Financial Support Is Available?

If you are not qualified for EI sickness benefits or require assistance longer than 26 weeks, there are these additional financial supports available:

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits – For prolonged or permanent impairments
• Workers’ Compensation – If the incident is work-related
• Private Disability Insurance – You can inquire from your employer on available plans
• Provincial Sick Leave Programs – Offered by some provinces

Returning to Work After EI Sickness Benefits

When you’re ready to return to work, there are options to ease your transition:

• Gradual Return – Start with part-time hours before resuming full-time work.
• Workplace Accommodations – Request adjustments like a lighter workload or remote work.
• Work-Sharing Program – This program allows employees to work fewer hours while still receiving EI benefits.

Important: Always inform Service Canada if your return-to-work date changes.

EI Sickness Benefits provide vital assistance in a time of need, allowing you the financial relief you need while recovering from an illness or injury. With a hassle-free application process and various forms of assistance available, this program ensures you reduce the financial burden while recovering. Ensure that you apply promptly, avoid the most common mistakes, and seek other financial aid alternatives if necessary.

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