EI Sickness Benefits Calculator

How the EI sickness benefits calculator works

1. 1

   Enter your average insurable weekly earnings

   Service Canada calculates this from your best weeks of insurable earnings in the qualifying period before your claim, up to the annual maximum insurable earnings. Enter your average figure to estimate your weekly benefit.

2. 2

   Enter the number of sickness weeks you are claiming

   EI sickness benefits can be paid for up to 26 weeks. Enter the number of weeks you expect to claim, up to that maximum, to estimate your total benefit.

3. 3

   Read your weekly benefit amount

   The calculator applies the 55% benefit rate to your average insurable weekly earnings, capped at the maximum weekly benefit for the current year.

4. 4

   Read your total estimated benefit

   The result multiplies your weekly benefit by the number of weeks claimed, up to the 26-week maximum, to show your total estimated gross sickness benefits.

The EI sickness benefit formula

Weekly benefit = lower of (average insurable weekly earnings x 55%, maximum weekly benefit) Total benefit = weekly benefit x sickness weeks claimed (up to 26 weeks)

• •The 55% rate and the annual maximum insurable earnings are set federally and reviewed each year, so the maximum weekly benefit changes annually.
• •There is typically a one-week unpaid waiting period before EI sickness benefits begin, similar to other EI benefit types.
• •You generally need a minimum number of insurable hours in the qualifying period and a medical certificate confirming you are unable to work to be eligible.
• •This calculator estimates the federal EI benefit only; some employers offer supplementary sick pay on top of EI, which is separate from this calculation.

Worked example: $1,200 average weekly earnings, full 26-week claim

A worker has average insurable weekly earnings of $1,200 and claims the full 26 weeks of EI sickness benefits available.

Average insurable weekly earnings

$1,200.00

Benefit rate

55%

Calculated weekly benefit

$660.00

Sickness weeks claimed

26

Total estimated gross benefit

$17,160.00

The worker's weekly benefit is $660.00, and the full 26-week claim totals $17,160.00 in gross EI sickness benefits.

EI sickness benefit rules

Current federal Employment Insurance sickness benefit parameters.

Source: Government of Canada, Government of Canada, Government of Canada

What EI sickness benefits require, and what this calculator assumes

You need sufficient insurable hours and a medical certificate

Eligibility generally requires a minimum number of insurable employment hours in the qualifying period and medical certification confirming you are unable to work due to illness, injury or quarantine.

A waiting period usually applies

EI benefits, including sickness benefits, typically have a one-week unpaid waiting period at the start of the claim, similar to other EI benefit streams, before payments begin.

The benefit is capped at the annual maximum

Even if 55% of your average weekly earnings would be higher, the weekly benefit cannot exceed the maximum weekly benefit set for the current year, which is based on the annual maximum insurable earnings.

Employer top-up plans are separate from EI

Some employers offer a supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plan or short-term disability coverage that tops up EI sickness benefits closer to full salary. This calculator estimates the federal EI benefit only.

Frequently asked questions

How much does EI pay for sickness benefits?

EI sickness benefits pay 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to the maximum weekly benefit set for the current year, for up to 26 weeks. Your average insurable weekly earnings are calculated by Service Canada from your best weeks of earnings in the qualifying period, capped at the annual maximum insurable earnings.

How long can I receive EI sickness benefits?

Up to 26 weeks, provided you remain unable to work and continue to meet the medical certification requirement. If you recover and return to work before using the full 26 weeks, the benefit stops at that point rather than continuing for the full period regardless.

Is there a waiting period before EI sickness benefits start?

Yes, typically. EI benefits generally include a one-week unpaid waiting period at the start of a claim, similar to EI regular and other special benefits, before the weekly payments begin.

Do I need a doctor's note to claim EI sickness benefits?

Yes. You generally need a medical certificate confirming that you are unable to work due to illness, injury or quarantine, in addition to meeting the minimum insurable hours requirement in the qualifying period before your claim.

Can my employer top up my EI sickness benefit?

Yes, some employers operate a supplementary unemployment benefit (SUB) plan or short-term disability program that adds to your EI sickness benefit, bringing your total closer to your regular salary. This is set by the individual employer's plan and is separate from the federal EI benefit calculated here.