EI sickness benefit: How much could you receive

How much you could receive

Up to 26 weeks of sickness benefits are available. The number of weeks of benefits you get depends on how long you're unable to work for medical reasons.

The exact amount you receive will be determined once your application is processed. You could receive 55% of your insurable earnings* up to a maximum of $668 a week. The amount you receive depends on your insurable earnings* before taxes in the past 52 weeks or since the start of your last claim, whichever is shorter.

Some employers provide additional money to employees on sick leave. This is called a top-up. Check with your employer to find out if they offer a top-up.

*Insurable earnings include most of the different types of compensation from employment, such as wages, tips, bonuses and commissions. The Canada Revenue Agency determines what types of earnings are insurable.

If your weekly earnings vary or your income changes

To calculate your benefit amount, we use a specific number of your highest paid weeks of employment. We call these your best weeks. The number of best weeks we use is based on the unemployment rate where you live. It could be between 14 and 22 weeks.

If your weekly earnings vary or your income changes, your best weeks can impact your benefit amount. Find your economic region to learn how many best weeks are used to calculate your benefit amount.

What's included in benefit calculations

Basic rates

The basic rate used to calculate sickness benefits is 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. In 2024, the maximum amount is $668 a week.

Benefit calculation

This is how we calculate your weekly benefit amount:

  1. we add your insurable weekly earnings from your best weeks based on information provided by you and your record of employment
  2. we divide that amount by the number of best weeks based on where you live
  3. we then multiply the result by 55%
If your family income is $25,921 or less

You may be eligible to receive the family supplement if:

  • your annual net family income is $25,921 or less
  • you have at least one child under 18
  • you or your spouse receive the Canada Child Benefit

We automatically add your family supplement to your weekly benefit payments. You don't need to take any action. Your total weekly amount can't exceed $668.

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