How Many Sick Days Are You Entitled to in BC? (2026)
BC provides 5 paid and 3 unpaid sick days annually. Here's everything you need to know about your entitlements in 2026.
## How Many Sick Days Are You Entitled to in BC? (2026)
British Columbia provides some of the best sick leave protections in Canada. Here's your complete guide to sick day entitlements in 2026.
### Your Statutory Entitlements
Under the BC Employment Standards Act:
| Type | Days | Pay | Note Required? |
|------|------|-----|---------------|
| **Paid sick days** | 5 per year | Full pay | Generally no |
| **Unpaid sick days** | 3 per year | No pay | Generally no |
| **Total protected** | 8 per year | Mixed | Depends on employer |
### Key Rules
1. **Eligibility** — You must have been employed for at least 90 days
2. **Accrual** — All 5 paid days are available after 90 days (no monthly accrual)
3. **Reset** — Days reset on your employment anniversary (not calendar year)
4. **No carryover** — Unused days don't carry over to the next year
5. **No payout** — Unused sick days are not paid out on termination
### Beyond the ESA Minimum
Many BC employers offer more than the minimum:
- **Federal employees**: 15 paid sick days
- **BC government**: 15 paid sick days
- **Tech companies**: Often unlimited (with manager approval)
- **Union workplaces**: Varies by collective agreement (often 10-15 days)
- **Healthcare**: Typically 12-15 paid days
### When You've Used All Your Days
If you've exhausted your ESA entitlement and need more time off:
- You may qualify for **short-term disability** through your employer's benefits
- **EI sickness benefits** provide up to 26 weeks at 55% of earnings
- **WorkSafeBC** covers work-related illness/injury
- Your employer has a **duty to accommodate** under the BC Human Rights Code
### Documentation Tips
- Days 1-5 (paid): Generally no note required
- Days 6-8 (unpaid): Generally no note required
- Beyond 8 days: Your employer will likely require documentation
- Extended absence: Return-to-work clearance usually needed
**Need a sick note? [Get one same day →](/get-started/sick_note)**