If you become sick or injured severely enough that you can’t work, one of your most pressing concerns will likely be how you can keep earning income to pay your bills or support your loved ones. But with many different government and insurance benefits available through private or group insurance, you may be wondering which benefits to apply for first and which will start to pay most quickly. In this post, we’ll look at EI Sickness and how it interacts with CPP Disability and other LTD benefits.
EI Sickness Benefits
EI Sickness Benefits are a type of income support that people can apply for when they are medically unable to work. The benefits pay up to 15 weeks of income assistance, at 55% of your earnings, to a maximum of $595 weekly.
You can apply for EI Sickness after you’ve been off work sick for one week. If your application is approved, you’ll typically get your first payment about 28 days after your application and weekly payments thereafter.
But what happens when those 15 weeks are over? If you’ve been off work the entire time, then you’ve now made it through the 4-month waiting period required to be eligible for CPP Disability benefits.
Can I Get Regular EI After Sickness Benefits Run Out?
It could be possible for you to apply for regular EI benefits when your sickness benefits run out. However, to qualify for regular EI, you must be able to work and actively looking for work. Considering that you applied for sickness benefits because you could not work due to injury or illness, you may not qualify for this benefit.
Despite that, if you, for some reason, lost your job and are healthy and able to work again, then you can apply for regular EI benefits. You’ll need to update your EI claim and provide the necessary documentation. The requirements to be eligible for this benefit are the following:
- Was employed somewhere that provided insurance
- Actively looking for work and regularly sending proof of such
- Have lost your job without being at fault
- Gone enough time without work or pay
- Worked between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment
It is important to note that you cannot qualify for EI if you left your job voluntarily or were let go for misconduct. To learn more, consult a lawyer and the Government of Canada website beforehand.
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits
CPP Disability is a monthly benefit for people under the age of 65 who have a severe and prolonged disability that regularly prevents them from working. In 2023, the average monthly payment was $1538.
If you are approved for CPP Disability and continue to meet the program’s definition of disabled, you can keep receiving these benefits until age 65. To be eligible for CPP Disability you also need to have made a certain number of contributions. We talk about this more in our All About CPP Disability post.
Applying for CPP Disability Benefits
Applying for CPP Disability Benefits may seem overwhelming, but the process is straightforward if you follow these key steps:
- Complete and Submit Your Application: Apply as soon as possible, either online or using a paper application. If you choose the paper option, you can download the form from the Government of Canada website and submit it by mail or in person at a Service Canada office.
- Provide Medical Documentation: Your doctor or nurse practitioner must complete and sign the medical forms, which you will then submit along with your application. This step is crucial, as medical evidence plays a significant role in determining eligibility.
- Wait for a Decision: Processing typically takes around 120 days, so applying promptly is essential. Once a decision is made, you will receive a notification by mail.
- Track Your Application Status: You can check the status of your application online or by contacting Service Canada if you haven’t received a response within the expected timeframe.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
One of the biggest challenges applicants face is ensuring their medical documentation clearly outlines the severity of their condition. Incomplete or unclear medical forms can result in delays or even denials. To improve your chances of approval, consider consulting with our firm. We specialize in CPP Disability claims and can help ensure your application includes all the necessary details to support your case.
Alternative Income and Support Options
If your EI sickness benefits have ended but you are not eligible for CPP Disability, there are still several support options available:
Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
The ODSP provides financial assistance for basic needs and shelter. The amount you receive may be adjusted based on factors like family size and inflation. This program is a viable option for those who need ongoing financial support due to disability.
Ontario Works
Ontario Works is a social assistance program that provides financial aid for necessities such as food and housing. Additionally, it offers:
- Extra financial support for transportation (e.g., medical appointments)
- Employment assistance, including job training, resume workshops, and career counselling
- Additional benefits for those supporting a spouse or dependents
Long-Term Disability Insurance
If you have private disability insurance through your employer, union, or personal policy, you may qualify for income replacement. Depending on your plan, you could receive 60% to 85% of your regular earnings while unable to work. Check your policy details or speak with your insurer to explore your eligibility.
Additionally, some insurers even require you to apply for EI Sickness and/or CPP Disability first before adjusting their benefits.
Community Resources
If you’re in a financial gap while waiting for benefits or seeking other assistance, community programs can help. Available resources may include:
- Food banks to support your grocery needs
- Subsidized housing options for affordable living
- Charitable organizations that offer financial aid, supplies, and services
Next Steps When Your EI Sick Benefits End
Since EI sickness benefits last for 15 weeks, it’s essential to plan ahead. If you anticipate needing additional support, consider:
- Applying for CPP Disability early—it has a four-month wait period
- Budgeting carefully to manage gaps between benefit payments
- Exploring all available resources and staying informed on deadlines
If you’re unsure which support option is best for your situation, consulting with our firm can help you navigate your rights and eligibility.
Consult with a Lawyer
If you need legal guidance on your next steps, our firm is here to help. Contact us for a consultation to ensure you maximize your benefits and financial support during this transition.