Canadian · Employment Insurance
EI sickness benefit calculator.
A different EI benefit from EI regular: 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, for up to a real 26-week maximum — with no regional unemployment-rate variation.
For 2026, the maximum weekly EI sickness benefit is $729, capped by the $68,900 maximum insurable earnings — the same rate math as EI regular benefits. What's different is the length: sickness pays a flat 26 weeks maximum, extended from 15 weeks effective 18 December 2022, with no Schedule I regional table.
Inputs
Result
Enter your average weekly earnings and press Calculate.
How EI sickness benefits differ from EI regular
Both use the same 55% of average insurable weekly earnings formula, capped by the same maximum insurable earnings ($68,900 for 2026, a $1,325.00 weekly cap, giving a maximum weekly benefit of $729). Where they diverge is duration: EI regular pays 14 to 45 weeks depending on your region's unemployment rate (Schedule I). EI sickness pays a flat 26-week maximum everywhere in Canada, with no regional table — extended from 15 weeks effective 18 December 2022.
Eligibility needs 600 insured hours in the qualifying period and a medical certificate confirming you're unable to work. There is a standard one-week waiting period (waivable in some circumstances). A 2022 rule also allows up to 102 weeks combined if you need both sickness and maternity/parental benefits within the same benefit period.
Sources, last verified 24 September 2026: Canada.ca — EI sickness benefits: how much could you receive, ESDC — EI sickness benefits extended to 26 weeks, Canada.ca — EI sickness eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is EI sickness the same as EI regular benefits?
No. They share the same weekly-rate formula, but sickness benefits max out at 26 weeks everywhere, while EI regular's 14-45 week entitlement depends on your region's unemployment rate.
What's the maximum EI sickness payment for 2026?
$729 a week, for up to 26 weeks — a maximum total of $18,954. That cap applies once your average insurable weekly earnings reach $1,325.00 or more.
Can I get sickness and parental benefits in the same claim?
Yes, since a 2022 rule change: if you need both within the same benefit period, you can receive up to 102 weeks combined, rather than the two entitlements simply stacking on top of each other without limit.
Estimate only
This tool assumes you already know your average insurable weekly earnings (Service Canada calculates that figure from your best weeks in the qualifying period, which this tool does not model) and that you meet the 600-insured-hour eligibility test. Apply directly through Service Canada for a binding assessment.