Canada: Changes to EI Sickness Benefit

As part of the 2016 Federal Budget, the Canadian government announced changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) waiting period, according to Asinta local Partner The Williamson Group – A Cowan Company. The waiting period has been reduced from two weeks to one week.

Individuals currently claiming EI sickness benefits receive payments for up to 15 weeks upon completion of a two week, unpaid waiting period. Beginning January 1, 2017, this waiting period will reduce to one week, followed by 15 weeks paid beneift, followed by one upaid week.

If you have questions about how this change will affect your employee benefits plan, please contact The Williamson Group here.