Menu Close

Employment Insurance benefits for those affected by COVID-19

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has released new information regarding the availability of Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits for COVID-19 victims.

EI sickness benefits are available to eligible claimants who are “unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work.” For those in quarantine due to COVID-19, according to the ESDC, the usual one-week waiting period is being waived for new claimants. Further, a priority application process is being established.

Eligible individuals can visit the EI sickness benefits page of the ESDC website, and phone 1-833-381-2725 to request a waiver of the usual one-week waiting period for EI benefits. Those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are reminded not to attend Service Canada facilities in person.