Employment Insurance (EI) is a partial income replacement program for people who have contributed to EI and are unable to work.

There are two categories of Employment Insurance:

• Regular EI Benefits for those who have lost their job or have been laid off
• Special EI Benefits such as Sickness Benefits, Family Caregiver Benefits, Compassionate Care Benefits, Maternity Benefits, and Parental Benefits.

Sickness Benefits are for people who are unable to work due to an illness or injury, and who have worked at least 600 hours in the last 52 weeks. Many people diagnosed with cancer access EI Sickness Benefits as their first source of income when they have to leave work.

EI Sickness Benefits are paid for a maximum of 26 weeks, and the payment is 55% of your previous income up to a maximum of $650/week. EI Sickness Benefits are taxable income, with income tax deducted from your payment.

EI Family Caregiver and Compassionate Care Benefits may be available for family members who need to take time off of work to care for someone with cancer.

There are approximately 70,000 people across Canada receiving EI Sickness Benefits. Many cancer patients wonder what their options are after their EI Sickness Benefits end. The Wellspring Money Matters Case Managers can help you to understand EI Benefits and plan for your needs if you require more time away from work, all at no charge.

To set up your meeting, either in person, via telephone, or online, with a Wellspring Money Matters Case Manager, please click here.