You may be able to get this benefit if you:
- Are employed in insurable employment (work under the authority of an employer in Canada).
- If you are not sure whether your employment was insurable, contact CRA at 1-800-959-5525 or visit the CRA website.
- Meet the specific criteria for getting EI sickness benefits.
- Have normal weekly earnings that were reduced by more than 40 percent.
- Have accumulated at least 600 hours of insurable employment during the qualifying period.
Social Insurance Number
For example:
- confirmation of SIN letter
- plastic SIN card (non-expired)
Apply for EI Sickness:
- Always apply for EI sickness benefits as soon as you stop working.
- You can apply for benefits even if you have not yet received your Record of Employment.
- If you delay filing your claim for benefits for more than four weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits.
- Submit an online application to find out if you can receive EI sickness benefits.
- It will take 60 minutes to complete.
- To apply, you will need personal information like:
- Your SIN.
- Banking information to set up direct deposit.
- Information about your previous employment.
- You must also get a medical certificate signed by your doctor which indicates the expected period that you are not able to work. Be sure to keep this certificate in a safe place, since you might be asked to provide it later. When you complete your online application, you will be notified whether you need to submit your medical certificate.
- Note: You are responsible for any fees your doctor or approved medical practitioner charges you for completing the medical certificate.
Notes:
- If you are not entitled to receive EI benefits, you will be contacted by letter or by telephone to explain why.
- If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to request a reconsideration.
- If you are entitled to receive EI regular benefits, you should receive your first payment within 28 days of the date your application and all required documents are received.
- Before you start receiving EI benefits, there may be one week for which you will not be paid - this is called the "waiting period."
- You must keep a bi-weekly report about your work/earnings, training, and availability to work by internet or telephone.
- You could lose your benefits if you don't do this.
- Remember, EI sickness benefits are taxable, so federal and provincial taxes will be deducted from your payment.