Compassionate Care Leave
Earlier this year, the Federal Government made changes that extended the amount of time for compassionate care leave. This leave is available to employees who provide care to a family member who has a life threatening illness. Employment Insurance have increased the maximum benefit period from 6 weeks to 26 weeks following a two week waiting period.
HOW DOES THIS LEAVE IMPACT YOUR BENEFITS PLAN?
The employer must continue to pay premiums for up to 28 weeks, for all overages, if the employer pays 100% of the premiums. If the premium is shared between the employer and employee and the employee chooses to continue to pay their share of the premium, the current premium contribution arrangements must be continued.
ARE EMPLOYEES ELIGIBLE FOR DISABILITY PAYMENTS DURING THE LEAVE?
No. Disability benefits are not payable during compassionate care leave. An employee who becomes disabled during the leave may be eligible for disability benefits payments if still disabled after the leave ends, if his/her benefits coverage remained in force. Disability benefits payment will begin on the later of two dates, either at the end of the waiting period or at the scheduled end of the compassionate care leave.
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
