Eldercare/CA PrimePlus
Services
Compassionate Care EI Benefits
By Anne Chun, C.A., CFP
This is part of the Eldercare/CA PrimePlus Services* series of articles.
In addition to the Caregiver amount tax credit (discussed in a
separate article), there is a new benefit available for those who are
caring for a gravely ill family member.
Starting on January 4, 2004, you may be able to take time off work and
receive up to six weeks of employment insurance benefits. While you are
away, your job will be protected. This is called Compassionate Care
Benefit under the Employment Insurance Act.
To qualify, you must apply to the Human Resources Development of Canada
(HRDC) office and provide medical proof that the ill family member requires
support or care and is at significant risk of death within 26 weeks. A
medical certificate called Medical certificate for Employment Insurance
Compassionate Care Benefits must be completed and signed by a medical
doctor or other medical practitioner authorized to treat the gravely ill
family member. You should request a Record of Employment (ROE) from your
employer, or provide proof of employment (such as T-4, or pay stubs).
You must also show that your regular weekly earnings from work have been
reduced by more than 40% and you have accumulated 600 insured hours in
the last 52 weeks or since the beginning of your last claim.
This benefit can be shared with other eligible caregivers who must also
apply. The number of weeks you will share with other members of your family
should be decided and agreed amongst each family member at the time you
apply. The first person to receive the Compassionate Care Benefit (CC
Benefit) will serve a 2-week waiting period. Under certain circumstances,
the 2-week waiting period may be waived or deferred.
Family members include:
- Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner.
- Your husband/wife or common-law partner.
- Your mother/father.
- Your mothers husband or your fathers wife.
- The common-law partner of your mother/father.
Care or support to a family member means:
- Providing psychological or emotional support, or
- Arranging for care by a third party, or
- Directly providing or participating in the care.
The basic CC Benefits is 55% of your average insured earnings. The maximum
is $413 per week. Your EI payment is taxable income. You could receive
a higher benefit rate if you are in a low-income family (income of less
than $25,921) with children and you or your spouse receives the Canada
Child Tax Benefit, you are entitled to the Family Supplement. When CC
Benefits are combined with maternity, parental and sickness benefits,
you can receive up to a combined maximum of 71 weeks. Certain conditions
apply.
When you file your tax return, you will not have to repay any of the
CC Benefits. However, if you received CC Benefit and regular benefits
within the same taxation year, you may be required to repay some or all
of the regular benefits.
*CA PrimePlus Services is a registered trademark of the
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Eldercare/CA PrimePlus
Services is a customizable range of financial management services
for elderly and disabled persons.
Anne Chun, C.A. CFP is the principal of Anne Chun Professional Corporation,
providing financial, tax, estate and Eldercare services. She is also the
co-author of "Planning your Financial Future".
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