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Employment Insurance Caregiving Benefits: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Learn how to access income support if you need to take time off work to care for a critically ill family member.

This program provides financial support to workers who need to leave their jobs to look after a family member who is critically ill.

Who it's for

This benefit is for workers who must take time away from their employment to provide care for a family member facing a critical illness.

What you get

You can receive up to 35 weeks of income support to help cover your living expenses while you are caring for your loved one.

What it costs you

There is no application fee, but you will need to provide a medical certificate to support your claim.

The catch to know

To be eligible, you must have worked a minimum number of hours—specifically 600 hours—within the last 52 weeks.

How to apply

  1. Gather your medical documentation regarding the family member's condition.
  2. Confirm you have met the required work hour threshold.
  3. Submit your application through the official government portal.
  4. Follow any additional instructions provided by the agency to complete your claim.

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiving.html