When employer sick days run out, EI sickness benefits are an option
If an illness or injury lasts longer than BC's 5 paid sick days a year, federal EI sickness benefits may be available. They pay for up to 26 weeks at 55% of earnings, to a maximum of $729 a week in 2026. [1]
26 weeks is the rule since 2022
EI sickness benefits used to last a maximum of 15 weeks. Since December 18, 2022 the maximum is 26 weeks. Some people still quote the old figure. [3]
Eligibility
- 600 insured hours worked in the past 52 weeks. [2]
- Weekly earnings reduced by more than 40% because of illness or injury. [2]
- A medical certificate stating that you cannot work and roughly for how long. The applicant pays any fee the doctor charges for it. [1][2]
Waiting period
EI sickness benefits have a one-week waiting period with no payment. [4] Where an employer provides paid sick days or short-term disability insurance, those are generally used first; confirm how they fit with EI with your employer and Service Canada.
How it relates to BC employment standards
BC law provides 5 paid and 3 unpaid sick days. For a longer illness, job protection depends on the circumstances; an employee who is asked to leave or is dismissed can ask the Employment Standards Branch.
Self-employed people
To receive EI sickness benefits, a self-employed person must register with Service Canada first and wait until the registration has been in place for 12 months. [5]
Caring for a sick family member
This article covers your own illness. Caring for an ill family member falls under a different group of EI caregiving benefits with different rules.