As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases growing, more Canadians are experiencing mass layoffs. Millions of residents already applying for employment insurance.
Employment Insurance sickness benefit offers up to 15 weeks of financial assistance for people who are unable to work because of sickness or quarantine.
EI provides up to 55% of your prior wage up to a maximum of $573 per week.
You can apply online at the Government of Canada website.
To be eligible to apply for EI, you’ll need to demonstrate the inability to work for medical reasons, or that your regular weekly earnings have decreased by more than 40 percent.
The online application takes about an hour to complete, and you’ll need to provide the following information:
- the names and addresses of your employers in the last 52 weeks
- the dates you were employed with each employer and the reasons you’re no longer employed with them
- your detailed explanation of the facts if you quit or were dismissed from any job in the last 52 weeks
- your full mailing address and your home address, if they are different
- your social insurance number (SIN)
- your mother’s maiden name
- your banking information, including financial institution, branch (transit) number and your account number, to sign up for direct deposit
Due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, the one-week waiting period of EI benefits have been waived for those who currently quarantined.
People claiming due to COVID-19 do not need to provide a medical certificate. For those who can’t complete their claim due to quarantine can apply later and have the claim backdated.
If you are looking for additional coverage, Supplemental Life Insurance might be the solution.
