Updated August 2026, Current Ontario ESA and CPSO telemedicine standards.
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EI Sickness Benefits in Ontario: Complete Medical Certificate Guide
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits provide crucial income support when illness or injury prevents you from working. In 2026, you can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits at 55% of your insurable earnings (maximum $668/week). For many Ontario workers, this is the difference between financial survival and crisis during a serious health event. Here is how to get the New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. you need for a successful application.
EI Sickness Benefits Overview (2026)
| Detail | 2026 Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (extended from 15 weeks in 2022) |
| Benefit rate | 55% of insurable earnings |
| Maximum weekly benefit | $668 |
| Waiting period | 1 week (unpaid) |
| Insurable hours required | 420-700 (varies by regional unemployment rate) |
| Application deadline | Within 4 weeks of last day worked |
| Tax status | Taxable income |
| Can combine with other EI benefits | Yes (maternity, parental, up to 50 weeks total) |
Hours Required by Region (Ontario)
| Region | Unemployment Rate | Hours Required |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 6-7% | 600 hours |
| Ottawa | 5-6% | 600-700 hours |
| Hamilton | 6-7% | 600 hours |
| London | 7-8% | 525-600 hours |
| Windsor | 8-9% | 490-525 hours |
| Sudbury/Northern Ontario | 8-10% | 420-490 hours |
The Medical Certificate Requirement
To qualify for EI Sickness Benefits, you need a medical certificate confirming:
1. You have a medical condition (illness, injury, or quarantine)
2. You are unable to perform your regular work duties
3. The expected duration of your incapacity
Service Canada does not have a specific form, any letter from a qualified practitioner containing this information is acceptable. However, the more specific and clear the documentation, the faster your claim is processed.
Who Can Sign Your Medical Certificate?
In Ontario, the following practitioners can complete the EI medical certificate:
- Medical doctor (MD), for any condition
- Nurse practitioner, for any condition
- Dentist, for dental conditions only
- Chiropractor, for musculoskeletal conditions only
- Midwife, for pregnancy-related conditions only
- Psychologist, for mental health conditions (some Service Canada offices accept this)
What Your Medical Certificate Should Say
A strong medical certificate for EI includes:
| Element | Example Language |
|---|---|
| Practitioner credentials | "Dr. [Name], CPSO #[number], MD" |
| Patient identification | Your full legal name and date of birth |
| Diagnosis (general) | "Acute medical condition" or specific if comfortable |
| Functional limitation | "Unable to perform regular employment duties" |
| Start date | "Patient has been unable to work since [date]" |
| Expected duration | "Expected recovery period: 8-12 weeks" |
| Signature and date | Practitioner's signature with date of assessment |
Step-by-Step: Applying for EI Sickness Benefits
1. Stop working due to illness (or have your hours reduced by 40%+)
2. Get your Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer (they must issue within 5 days)
3. Obtain your medical certificate from a qualified practitioner
4. Apply online at Service Canada (My Service Canada Account)
5. Complete the 1-week waiting period (no benefits paid)
6. Receive benefits via direct deposit (typically starts 28 days after application)
7. Report biweekly to confirm you are still unable to work
Tips for a Successful EI Sickness Application
1. Apply immediately
Do not wait until your employer's sick leave runs out. You can apply as soon as you stop working due to illness. The 1-week waiting period starts from your application date.
2. Get your medical certificate early
Service Canada may request it at any time during your claim. Having it ready prevents delays and demonstrates preparedness.
3. Be specific about limitations
"Unable to perform regular duties due to [condition] affecting [function]" is stronger than vague language like "not feeling well."
4. Include expected duration
Even an estimate helps. "8-12 weeks" is better than "unknown." You can extend later with updated documentation if needed.
5. Do not minimize your condition
The certificate should reflect your actual limitations, not your best-case scenario. If you cannot work, say so clearly.
6. Apply even if you are not sure you qualify
There is no penalty for applying and being denied. But there is a significant penalty for applying late (you can lose weeks of benefits).
Common Reasons for EI Sickness Denial
| Reason | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Insufficient medical evidence | Get detailed certificate clearly stating inability to work |
| Not enough insurable hours | Check your ROE and regional requirements before applying |
| Applied too late (past 4 weeks) | Apply immediately when you stop working |
| Condition not preventing work | Ensure certificate clearly states "unable to perform duties" |
| Already receiving other benefits | Check compatibility (some benefits can be combined) |
| Voluntary quit before illness | Illness must be the reason you stopped working |
Combining EI Sickness with Other Benefits
Compatible (can receive simultaneously or sequentially):
- Employer top-up payments (up to 100% of earnings combined)
- Provincial disability programs (may affect amount)
- Private disability insurance (check your policy, some offset EI)
- EI maternity/parental benefits (sequentially, up to 50 weeks total)
Not compatible (cannot receive at same time):
- Regular EI benefits
- Vacation pay for the same period
- Full salary from employer
- WSIB benefits for the same condition
Transitioning Between Benefits: A Common Ontario Scenario
1. Days 1-3: ESA unpaid sick days (no note required by law)
2. Days 4-10: Employer-provided paid sick days (if available)
3. Weeks 2-12: Short-term disability through employer (if available, typically 60-75% of salary)
4. When STD expires: EI Sickness Benefits (up to 26 weeks at 55%)
5. After 26 weeks: Long-term disability (if employer provides) or ODSP application
What Happens If Your Condition Lasts Longer Than 26 Weeks?
If you exhaust EI Sickness Benefits and still cannot work:
- Long-term disability (LTD) through your employer's benefits plan (if available)
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) for severe and prolonged conditions
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for those without other income
- Disability Tax Credit to reduce tax burden
How MedLetter Can Help
Our CPSO-registered physicians can provide:
- Medical certificates suitable for EI Sickness Benefit applications ($49, same-day)
- Documentation clearly stating your inability to work with expected duration
- Updated certificates for benefit extensions (if your condition lasts longer than initially expected)
- Return-to-work documentation when you are ready to resume employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EI medical certificate online?
Yes. CPSO-licensed physicians can provide medical certificates through virtual assessment. Service Canada accepts certificates from any qualified practitioner regardless of whether the assessment was in-person or virtual.
How long does it take to start receiving EI Sickness Benefits?
Typically 2-4 weeks from application to first payment. Having your medical certificate ready when you apply speeds up the process. Incomplete applications cause significant delays.
Can I work part-time while receiving 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 reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar.
What if my employer pressures me not to apply for EI?
Your right to apply for EI is protected by federal law. Your employer cannot discourage, threaten, or penalize you for applying. If they do, report it to Service Canada.
Can I apply for EI Sickness Benefits if I was fired?
If you were terminated and then became ill (preventing you from seeking new work), you may qualify. The key question is whether illness is currently preventing you from working, not why you left your last job.
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Sources: Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA, s.50), Ontario Human Rights Code (s.17), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Last verified: August 2026.
Related Resources:
- New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time.
- Ontario Disability Tax Credit Guide
- Ontario Workplace Harassment Stress Leave
- Online Sick Note Ontario