E.I. and Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit During COVID-19

Employment and Labour

E.I. and Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit During COVID-19

Employment and Labour

Below is a summary of the benefits you should apply for if your ability to work has been impacted by COVID-19:

Laid Off from Work due to COVID-19 Work Closure?

Apply for Regular Benefits through Employment Insurance (E.I.)

Benefit:

  • generally 55% of your average insurable earnings
  • maximum of $573/ week

Requirements:

  • Worked at least 700 hours in the past year; and
  • ROE from your employer indicating you have been laid off.

Applications:  

Self-Quarantined and Unable to Work?

Apply for Sickness Benefits through E.I.

Benefit:

  • generally 55% of your average insurable earnings
  • maximum of $573/week
  • for up to 15 weeks
  • the usual one-week waiting period can be been waived if you call this toll free number: 1-833-381-2725

Requirements:

  • worked at least 600 hours in the last year
  • *medical certificate no longer required

Applications

  • online or call: 1-800-206-7218

Ineligible for E.I.?

The Federal Government has promised to provide a Canada Emergency Response Benefit in April to assist individuals who may not qualify for E.I.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is available to:

  • workers who have been laid off but do not qualify for E.I. Regular Benefits or paid leave from their employer;
  • workers who still have their job but have been asked not to come to work because there is not sufficient work;
  • self employed works who are not eligible for E.I.;
  • workers who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 but do not qualify for E.I. Sickness Benefits;
  • workers who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19; and
  • parents who are unable to work because they have children who require care due to school or daycare closures.

Benefit:

  • $2,000/month for up to 4 months

Applications will be available in April through:

  • A secure web portal (link to be provided at future date); or
  • by telephone (toll free number to be released at future date).

Contracted COVID-19 Through Work-Related Exposure?

You may be entitled to WorkSafe Benefits

Call: 1-888-967-5377

We will continue to monitor the available benefits and provide updates as things progress. For specific issues, please contact one of our lawyers to receive individualized advice and the most-up-to-date information.



Employment Law Group
Lindsay Kenney LLP – Langley Office
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