From Paycheck to $695/Week : EI (Employment Insurance) Sickness Benefits provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to medical reasons This program supports eligible workers who need time off to recover while ensuring they still receive some income The maximum amount one can receive is $695 per week
Eligibility Criteria for EI Sickness Benefits
To qualify for EI Sickness Benefits individuals must meet certain requirements:
- Be unable to work due to illness injury or quarantine
- Have worked a minimum of 600 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks or since the last EI claim
- Have a medical certificate from a doctor or medical professional confirming the condition
- Have had their earnings reduced by at least 40% due to their medical condition
How Much Can You Receive?
EI Sickness Benefits provide 55% of your average weekly earnings up to a maximum of $695 per week The amount you receive depends on your previous income but it will not exceed the set limit Payments are typically issued every two weeks
How Long Can You Receive EI Sickness Benefits?
Eligible individuals can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks within a benefit period If your illness extends beyond this period you may need to explore other support programs such as long-term disability benefits or provincial assistance programs
Application Process for EI Sickness Benefits
Applying for EI Sickness Benefits involves a step-by-step process: 1 Submit an online application through the Government of Canada’s EI portal 2 Provide necessary documents including a medical certificate from a healthcare professional 3 Report your previous employment details including insurable hours and income 4 Ensure you apply as soon as you stop working to avoid delays in receiving benefits
Important Points to Remember
- There is a one-week waiting period before payments begin meaning you won’t receive benefits for the first week of your claim
- If you receive income from other sources such as severance pay or disability insurance it may affect your EI payments
- You may need to submit bi-weekly reports to continue receiving benefits
Can You Work While Receiving EI Sickness Benefits?
If you are well enough to work part-time you may still be eligible to receive benefits under the Working While on Claim program This allows you to earn some income while continuing to receive partial EI payments however a portion of your earnings may be deducted from your benefits
Conclusion
EI Sickness Benefits provide financial relief to workers who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury Understanding eligibility requirements payment amounts and the application process ensures that individuals receive the support they need during difficult times If you qualify applying as soon as possible will help you access financial assistance without unnecessary delays
