How Many Sick Days Are You Entitled to in Ontario? (2026)
Ontario provides 3 unpaid sick days annually under the ESA. Here's everything about your entitlements in 2026.
## How Many Sick Days Are You Entitled to in Ontario? (2026)
Ontario's sick leave entitlements are set by the Employment Standards Act. Here's your complete guide for 2026.
### Your Statutory Entitlements
Under the Ontario ESA:
| Type | Days | Pay | Note Required? |
|------|------|-----|---------------|
| **Sick days** | 3 per year | Unpaid | **No** (Working for Workers Act) |
| **Family responsibility** | 3 per year | Unpaid | No |
| **Bereavement** | 2 per year | Unpaid | No |
### Key Rules
1. **Eligibility** — You must have been employed for at least 2 consecutive weeks
2. **No note required** — Working for Workers Act (2022) prohibits employers from requiring medical notes for ESA days
3. **Job protection** — You cannot be penalized for using these days
4. **No carryover** — Unused days don't carry over
5. **No payout** — Unused sick days are not paid out on termination
### Beyond the ESA Minimum
Many Ontario employers offer more than the minimum:
- **Federal employees**: 10 paid sick days (Canada Labour Code)
- **Ontario 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
- **Banks/finance**: Often 10-15 paid days
### When You've Used All Your Days
If you've exhausted your ESA entitlement:
- **Employer-provided days**: Check if your employer offers additional paid sick days
- **Short-term disability**: Through your employer's benefits plan
- **EI sickness benefits**: Up to 26 weeks at 55% of earnings
- **WSIB**: For work-related illness/injury
- **Duty to accommodate**: Under the Ontario Human Rights Code
### Documentation Tips
- ESA days (1-3): **No note required by law**
- Beyond ESA: Check your employer's policy
- Extended absence: Return-to-work clearance usually needed
- WSIB claims: Specific forms required
**Need a sick note? [Get one same day →](/get-started/sick_note)**