Sick Pay Ontario Calculator

Use our Ontario Sick Pay Calculator to determine how much sick pay you may be eligible to receive. This calculator helps you understand Ontario's sick pay rules and calculate your potential compensation.

How Ontario Sick Pay Works

Ontario's sick pay system is designed to provide financial support to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. The amount of sick pay you receive depends on your employment status, the length of your illness, and other factors.

Sick pay in Ontario is not guaranteed by law. Employers may choose to provide sick pay benefits, but there are no provincial requirements for how much or how often these benefits should be paid.

Employees who work in Ontario are generally entitled to sick pay benefits through their employment insurance (EI) program. However, the amount of EI sick pay is limited and may not cover the full cost of lost wages.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for sick pay in Ontario, you must meet certain criteria. These requirements vary depending on whether you're an employee or a self-employed individual.

For Employees

You must have worked at least 150 hours in the 12 months before your illness or injury
You must have earned at least $500 in the 12 months before your illness or injury
You must be unable to work due to illness or injury
You must have paid into Employment Insurance (EI) while employed

For Self-Employed Individuals

You must have been self-employed for at least 12 months
You must have paid into Employment Insurance (EI) while self-employed
You must be unable to work due to illness or injury

Important Note: Sick pay benefits are not guaranteed. Employers may choose to provide additional sick pay benefits beyond what is required by law.

How to Calculate Sick Pay

The calculation of sick pay in Ontario depends on several factors, including your employment status, the length of your illness, and your average weekly earnings.

For Employees

Employees are entitled to receive Employment Insurance (EI) sick pay benefits. The amount of EI sick pay you receive depends on your average weekly earnings and the length of your illness.

EI Sick Pay Formula:

EI Sick Pay = (Average Weekly Earnings × 0.57) × Number of Weeks Eligible

Maximum Benefit Period: 15 weeks

For Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed individuals are also entitled to receive EI sick pay benefits. The calculation is similar to that for employees, but the maximum benefit period is shorter.

EI Sick Pay Formula for Self-Employed:

EI Sick Pay = (Average Weekly Earnings × 0.57) × Number of Weeks Eligible

Maximum Benefit Period: 10 weeks

In addition to EI sick pay, some employers may provide additional sick pay benefits. The amount of these benefits varies and is determined by your employer.

Worked Examples

Let's look at two examples to illustrate how sick pay is calculated in Ontario.

Example 1: Employee with Average Weekly Earnings of $1,000

An employee with average weekly earnings of $1,000 who is unable to work for 5 weeks would be eligible for:

EI Sick Pay = ($1,000 × 0.57) × 5 weeks = $3,415

This employee would receive $3,415 in EI sick pay benefits over the 5-week period.

Example 2: Self-Employed Individual with Average Weekly Earnings of $1,500

A self-employed individual with average weekly earnings of $1,500 who is unable to work for 3 weeks would be eligible for:

EI Sick Pay = ($1,500 × 0.57) × 3 weeks = $2,565

This self-employed individual would receive $2,565 in EI sick pay benefits over the 3-week period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sick pay can I receive in Ontario?: The amount of sick pay you can receive in Ontario depends on your employment status, average weekly earnings, and the length of your illness or injury. Employees are entitled to up to 15 weeks of EI sick pay, while self-employed individuals are entitled to up to 10 weeks.
Do I have to pay back EI sick pay?: No, you do not have to pay back EI sick pay benefits. These benefits are taxable income, but you do not owe any money to the government for receiving them.
Can I receive sick pay if I'm self-employed?: Yes, self-employed individuals in Ontario are entitled to receive EI sick pay benefits, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and have paid into Employment Insurance.
How long does it take to receive EI sick pay?: EI sick pay benefits are typically paid within 7-10 days after you apply, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and have paid into Employment Insurance.
Can I receive sick pay if I'm on vacation or leave?: No, sick pay benefits are only available if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. If you are on vacation or leave, you are not eligible for sick pay benefits.