EI Sickness Benefits in Ontario: Complete 2026 Guide
If illness or injury prevents you from working in Ontario, EI sickness benefits provide up to 26 weeks of income replacement at 55% of your average insurable earnings (maximum $668/week in 2026). Ontario has some unique considerations due to OHIP coverage and the province's employment landscape.
Medical Certificate Requirements
Service Canada requires a medical certificate confirming:
- You are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine
- The date your inability to work began
- The expected duration of your absence
- That you are under the care of a medical practitioner
- The practitioner's credentials and signature
The OHIP Factor
Ontario's OHIP coverage creates a unique situation:
- The physician visit is free (covered by OHIP)
- The medical certificate itself is NOT covered by OHIP (uninsured service)
- You will pay $20-$40 for the certificate at most clinics
- Some physicians may waive the fee for EI certificates (ask)
Eligibility in Ontario
To qualify for EI sickness benefits in Ontario, you must:
1. Have accumulated 600 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
2. Be unable to work due to sickness, injury, or quarantine
3. Have a medical certificate from a qualified practitioner
4. Have experienced a 40%+ reduction in earnings
5. Be employed in insurable employment
Ontario-Specific Considerations
Auto workers (Windsor, Oshawa, Brampton):
- Collective agreements may provide sick leave pay that must be exhausted first
- Unifor members should check their specific agreement
- Plant shutdowns + illness = may qualify for both regular and sickness EI
Gig economy workers (Toronto, Ottawa):
- Uber, DoorDash, Instacart drivers are typically NOT insurable
- Unless you have opted into EI for self-employed
- Check your employment status carefully
Public sector workers:
- Many Ontario public sector employees have generous sick leave banks
- Must typically exhaust employer sick leave before EI sickness
- OPSEU, CUPE, ONA members should check collective agreements
Getting Your Medical Certificate in Ontario
| Option | Timeline | Cost | OHIP Covered? |
|--------|----------|------|---------------|
| Family doctor | 7-14 day wait | $20-$30 for certificate | Visit: Yes. Certificate: No |
| Walk-in clinic (Toronto/GTA) | Same day (2-5 hr wait) | $20-$40 for certificate | Visit: Yes. Certificate: No |
| Walk-in (smaller cities) | Same day (1-3 hr wait) | $20-$35 for certificate | Visit: Yes. Certificate: No |
| MedLetter | Same day (2-4 hr delivery) | $49 (all-inclusive) | N/A (private service) |
Application Process
Step 1: Get your Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer
Step 2: Obtain your medical certificate
Step 3: Apply online through My Service Canada Account
Step 4: Upload your medical certificate
Step 5: Serve the 1-week waiting period (unpaid)
Step 6: Receive benefits via direct deposit (typically within 28 days)
Interaction with Ontario Benefits
- WSIB: Cannot collect EI sickness and WSIB for the same condition
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): EI sickness may affect ODSP payments
- Ontario Works: EI benefits are deducted from OW payments
- Employer STD/LTD: Cannot collect both simultaneously
- ESA sick days: Can use your 3 paid ESA days before applying for EI
Common Mistakes Ontario Workers Make
1. Waiting too long to apply — Apply as soon as you know you will be off more than 1 week
2. Thinking OHIP covers the certificate — The visit is free; the certificate is not
3. Not exhausting employer sick leave first — Many employers require this
4. Confusing WSIB with EI sickness — Work injuries go through WSIB
5. Missing the 4-week retroactive limit — Benefits are not backdated more than 4 weeks
Key Takeaway
Ontario's OHIP system means the physician visit is free — but you will still pay $20-$40 for the certificate itself, plus spend 2-5 hours waiting. MedLetter's $49 all-inclusive fee with same-day delivery and zero wait time is competitive when you factor in lost wages from clinic waits. Do not let documentation delays hold up your EI sickness benefits application.
Related: [Sick Note Ontario — Complete City Guide](/sick-note-ontario) | [Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026](/blog/ontario-sick-note-cost-2026)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Ontario?
Yes. CPSO-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by all Ontario employers.
How much does an online sick note cost in Ontario?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This includes the physician assessment and official documentation.
Will my Ontario employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.