EI Sickness Benefits Overview
EI sickness benefits provide up to 26 weeks of income replacement when you're unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine.
Do You Need a Sick Note for EI?
Yes. You need a medical certificate confirming:
- You're unable to work due to illness or injury
- Expected duration of inability to work
- Physician's signature and contact information
Qualifying Requirements
- At least 600 insurable hours in past 52 weeks
- Reduction in earnings of more than 40%
- Unable to work due to illness/injury/quarantine
- Valid medical certificate
How Much Do You Receive?
55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to $668/week (2025 rates). Benefits last up to 26 weeks with a one-week waiting period.
Getting Your Medical Certificate
MedLetter's CPSO-registered physicians provide medical certificates for EI applications same day.
Ontario Employment Standards: Your Rights
Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), employees are entitled to 3 unpaid sick days per year (some employers offer paid days). Important provisions:
- Employers cannot require a doctor's note for ESA-protected sick days as of January 2024 (Working for Workers Act amendments)
- The Ontario Human Rights Code requires employers to accommodate medical conditions to the point of undue hardship
- Federally regulated employees in Ontario get 10 paid sick days under the Canada Labour Code
- Many Ontario employers still request notes as a matter of company policy (distinct from legal requirement)
Statistics: Healthcare Access in Ontario
According to Ontario Health and Statistics Canada (2025-2026):
- 2.3 million Ontarians lack a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner
- Average emergency room wait time in Ontario: over 4 hours for non-urgent cases
- Walk-in clinic wait times in the GTA: 1.5-3 hours on average
- Ontario has the lowest physician-to-population ratio of any large province
Practical Steps for Ontario Employees
1. Know the ESA - Your employer cannot penalize you for taking your 3 statutory sick days
2. Check your employment contract - Many Ontario employers offer 5-10 paid sick days beyond the ESA minimum
3. Unionized workers - OPSEU, CUPE, and Unifor contracts typically provide 12-18 paid sick days annually
4. Document everything - Keep a record of when you called in and who you spoke to
5. Accommodation requests - If you have a chronic condition, consider requesting formal workplace accommodation under the OHRC
When a Sick Note May Not Be Required
Under Ontario law, a sick note is generally not required for:
- Your 3 annual ESA sick days (Working for Workers Act, 2024)
- Family responsibility leave (up to 3 days)
- Bereavement leave (up to 2 days)
- Domestic or sexual violence leave
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.