Caregiving is extremely stressful, tiring and often leads to the caregiver feeling burdened. Financial stress is often at the top of the list of worries. There are programs that can provide assistance during this time.
Compassionate Care Benefit
Compassionate Care Benefit (CCB) is a program funded by Service Canada that you as a caregiver can apply for if the person you are caring for is within 26 weeks of passing away. You may be eligible for 26 weeks of Employment Insurance (EI) assistance.
With the CCB, you need to be aware of your provincial labour standards for job security. Each province has a different length of time that an employer must guarantee the caregiver’s job.
This benefit may also be combined with other EI programs for up to a total of 102 weeks. For more information on the CCB and how to sign up, consult the following webpage from the Government of Canada.
Parents of Critically Ill Children
Parents of Critically Ill Children (PCIC) is a program run by Service Canada for parents who are caring for a child with a life-threatening illness or injury. They can receive up to 35 weeks of EI support, and it can be combined with other EI programs. With the PCIC, you need to be aware of your provincial labour standards for job security. Each province has a different length of time that an employer must guarantee the caregiver’s job. The following webpage provides further information on PCIC and how to sign up.
Family Caregiver leave is a labour standard for caregivers who are looking after a family member who has a serious medical condition but is not deemed terminal. This provides job security for the caregiver for a certain period. See your provincial labour standards for more information on job security.
