EI Sickness Benefits And Long-Term Disability In 2026: How To Avoid Gaps, Offsets, And Denials When You Can't Work

When you stop working for medical reasons, the first question is often practical, not legal: how do I keep income coming in while I recover? In Canada, many people start with EI sickness benefits, then transition to a workplace disability plan if they have one. In real life, that "bridge" is not always smooth.

In 2026, the EI sickness benefit remains a key starting point because it can provide up to 26 weeks of support, and the maximum weekly amount is $729. The challenge is what happens next, especially when a long-term disability claim is delayed, offset, or denied. If you are already dealing with an insurer or you sense trouble, speaking with Unified's team of LTD lawyers early can help you avoid gaps that are hard to fix later.