Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits Increase To 26 Weeks

The amendments contained in Bill C-30, Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1, which permanently extend the maximum number of weeks available under employment insurance (EI) sickness benefits, have been proclaimed into force effective December 18, 2022.

In this FTR Now we consider this development and its implications for employers.

Extension from 15 to 26 Weeks

Under these changes, the maximum number of EI sickness benefits that can be paid to eligible insured and self-employed workers who are unable to work because of illness, injury, or quarantine and who establish a new claim on or after December 18, 2022 will be increased from 15 to 26 weeks.

Premium Reduction Program Not Affected