EI Sickness Benefits Offer Up to $695/Week

EI Sickness Benefits Offer Up to $695/Week – Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits help Canadian workers who can’t work because they’re sick or injured. As of March 12, 2025, you can get 55% of your weekly pay—up to $695—for 26 weeks. This article explains who qualifies, how to apply, when you get paid, and what to do if EI doesn’t work for you. It’s simple info to help you get support and focus on getting better.

What Are EI Sickness Benefits?

EI Sickness Benefits give you money if a health problem stops you from working. It’s part of the Employment Insurance program run by Service Canada. You get 55% of your usual weekly pay, but no more than $695. For example, if you make $1,000 a week, you’d get $550. If you make $1,500, you still get only $695. You can get this help for up to 26 weeks since the rules changed in late 2022. The money is taxed, so you’ll keep less after taxes.

Also Read: $1,500 OAS Payment and $300 Bonus in January 2025 – The Truth Revealed

Who Can Get It?

To qualify, you need:

• 600+ Work Hours: You must have worked 600 hours in the last year where EI was taken from your pay. This usually means regular jobs, not self-employment unless you signed up for EI.
• Doctor’s Note: You need a note from a doctor or nurse saying you can’t work because of your health and how long you’ll be off.
• Big Pay Drop: Your weekly pay has to drop by more than 40% because you’re sick.

You also need to be ready to work if you weren’t sick. Self-employed people can get it too if they joined EI a year ago and earned at least $8,255.

How to Apply

Applying is easy and online:

1. Get Ready: Have your Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank info, and doctor’s note. Your boss might send a Record of Employment (ROE) later.
2. Go Online: Use Canada.ca and your My Service Canada Account. Pick “EI Sickness Benefits” and fill out the form—it takes about an hour. Start even if you’re missing some papers.
3. Don’t Wait: Apply as soon as you stop working. Waiting over four weeks might mean less money.
4. Check In: Every two weeks, report online or by phone (1-800-531-7555) to keep getting paid.

You’ll get money within 28 days if everything’s good. There’s a one-week wait with no pay at the start.

How Much and How Long?

• How Much: They look at your best 14-22 weeks of pay from the last year and give you 55% of that average, up to $695.
• How Long: Up to 26 weeks, based on what your doctor says.
• Taxes: You’ll pay taxes on it when you file your taxes next year.

For example, if your top 20 weeks add up to $20,000, that’s $1,000 a week, so you’d get $550 weekly.

2025 Payment Dates

Money comes near the end of each month:

What If You Can’t Get EI?

If EI doesn’t work for you—like if you don’t have enough hours or need help longer—try these:

• Work Insurance: Some jobs have short-term disability plans that pay more for a while. Ask your boss.
• CPP Disability: If you’re really sick for a long time and paid into CPP, this gives monthly help.
• Province Help: Places like Ontario or BC have programs for people with no money.
• Your Own Money: Use savings or a loan if you have to.

Tips to Get the Most

• Apply Fast: Don’t lose weeks by waiting.
• Save Papers: Keep your doctor’s note for six years in case they check.
• Ask Your Job: Some bosses add extra money to EI—see if yours does.
• Stay Updated: Look at Canada.ca or call 1-800-622-6232 for news.

Also Read: Social Security Update 2025: COLA Amount Announced – Check the Dates

Wrap-Up

EI Sickness Benefits give you 55% of your pay—up to $695 a week—for 26 weeks if you’re too sick to work. You need 600 hours, a doctor’s note, and a big pay drop to get it. Apply online, and money comes in about 28 days. If EI isn’t enough, there are other options. Apply early, use official info, and focus on getting better!