Employment Insurance Benefits – Compassionate Care Benefits
Program Overview:
On January 4, 2004, the Federal Government announced a new program under the Employment Insurance Act called Compassionate Care Benefits. This program allows for an individual to provide supportive care to an ill family member. It is administered through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSCD). Like EI Sick Benefits and CPP-D, this is a contribution-tested program meaning that you must meet the minimum contribution period and number of hours worked. Your eligibility or entitlement is not impacted by your liquid or acquired assets.
Qualifying Criteria:
In order to be eligible, you must have more than 600 insurable hours of employment in the last 52 weeks. The definition of “care” include providing psychological or emotional support, arranging for care by a third party or directly providing or participating in the care. The family member you are caring for must be: your child or child of your spouse, husband/wife/common law partner, father/mother or father’s wife/mother’s husband if your parent has remarried.
Definition of Disability:
Under the legislation, the family member you will be caring for must be gravely ill and face a significant risk of death within the next six months. With your application for EI Benefits (including a regular application, Special Benefits application and Record of Employment) you will need to provide a medical certificate completed by the medical doctor or other medical practitioner authorized to treat the gravely ill family member.
Waiting Period:
The first two weeks following the date you left work is considered a waiting period, and no benefits are paid for this period. EI Benefits start four weeks after applying.
Payment Amount:
The basic payment is 55% of your insurable earnings up to a maximum of $413/week. The Compassionate Care Benefit is paid for a maximum of six weeks, and the six weeks can be shared or divided among qualifying family members. Only one family member needs to serve the 2 week waiting period if the six weeks are shared. Your benefit is taxable income.
Other Benefits:
- Regular Benefits, Sickness Benefits (and the potential to transfer between some programs)
- You are eligible to care for a family member who is located in another province or outside of Canada
Tips/suggestions:
- Try to have your application complete when you apply for EI Benefits, including your Record of Employment
- EI will not reimburse you for any costs associated with getting the necessary medical form completed
- You will need personal identification to accompany your application
- Local EI offices can be found in the Blue pages of your phone book, and your MP may be a source of information
Contact information:
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
www.hrsdc.gc.ca (look for a Human Resource Centre of Canada office close to your home)
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