EI Sickness Benefits in Saskatchewan: Do You Need a Sick Note? (2026)

If you're too sick to work and need EI sickness benefits in Saskatchewan, you'll need a medical certificate. Here's exactly what's required and how to get it fast.

EI Sickness Benefits in Saskatchewan: What You Need to Know

If you're unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine in Saskatchewan, you may be eligible for EI sickness benefits — up to 26 weeks of income replacement at 55% of your average insurable earnings (maximum $668/week in 2026).

Do You Need a Sick Note for EI Sickness Benefits?

Yes. Service Canada requires a medical certificate confirming you are unable to work. This is separate from any sick note your employer may request. The medical certificate must be completed by a qualified medical practitioner — this includes physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, chiropractors, or optometrists depending on your condition.

What the Medical Certificate Must Include

Service Canada's medical certificate (which can be submitted online through My Service Canada Account) must confirm:

  • Your name and date of birth

  • The date you became unable to work

  • The expected duration of your inability to work

  • That you are under the care of a medical practitioner

  • The practitioner's name, signature, and licence number


Important: The certificate does NOT need to disclose your specific diagnosis to Service Canada. It only needs to confirm you are medically unable to perform your job duties.

How to Get the Medical Certificate in Saskatchewan

Option 1: Your family doctor

  • Best option if you have one (but 200,000+ SK residents don't)

  • May take 7-21 days to get an appointment

  • EI applications have a 1-week waiting period, so timing matters


Option 2: Walk-in clinic
  • Available same-day but with 2-5 hour waits

  • Some walk-in physicians are reluctant to complete EI forms for patients they haven't seen before

  • Cost: $25-$50 for the note/form completion


Option 3: MedLetter
  • Same-day documentation from a CPSS-registered physician

  • $49 flat fee

  • Our physicians can provide medical certificates supporting your EI application

  • No video call required


Eligibility Requirements for EI Sickness Benefits in Saskatchewan

To qualify, you must:
1. Have accumulated at least 600 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
2. Have experienced a reduction in earnings of more than 40% due to illness
3. Be unable to work due to sickness, injury, or quarantine
4. Have a medical certificate from a qualified practitioner

How to Apply

1. Apply online through My Service Canada Account (fastest method)
2. Submit your medical certificate — can be uploaded digitally
3. Serve the 1-week waiting period (no benefits paid for first week)
4. Receive benefits — direct deposit within 28 days of approved application

Common Mistakes Saskatchewan Residents Make

  • Waiting too long to apply: Apply as soon as you know you'll be off work for more than 1 week. You can apply up to 4 weeks before your last day of work.

  • Not getting the medical certificate early: Don't wait until your EI application is processed to get documentation. Get it immediately.

  • Confusing employer sick notes with EI certificates: Your employer's sick note and Service Canada's medical certificate are different documents with different requirements.

  • Not knowing about the 26-week maximum: EI sickness benefits max out at 26 weeks. If you need longer, look into provincial disability programs or long-term disability insurance.


Can You Work Part-Time While on EI Sickness Benefits?

Yes, but your benefits will be reduced. You can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit (or $50, whichever is higher) without any reduction. Earnings above that threshold reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar.

Key Takeaway

If you're applying for EI sickness benefits in Saskatchewan, getting your medical certificate quickly is critical. Don't let the family doctor shortage delay your application — online services like MedLetter can provide same-day documentation from a licensed physician, helping you start receiving benefits faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a sick note online in Saskatchewan?
Yes. Licensed physicians provide virtual consultations and issue valid sick notes for Saskatchewan residents.

Will my Saskatchewan employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. All Saskatchewan employers must accept sick notes from licensed physicians, whether issued in person or through virtual care.

How fast can I get a sick note in Saskatchewan?
Online services deliver most sick notes within 2-6 hours.

How many sick days do Saskatchewan employees get?
Saskatchewan provides 12 days of unpaid sick leave per year under The Saskatchewan Employment Act.