What are EI caregiving benefits?

EI caregiving benefits provide income support when you take time off work to care for a critically ill or injured family member, or someone who is dying. There are three types: family caregiver benefit for children, family caregiver benefit for adults, and compassionate care benefit.

How long can you receive EI caregiving benefits?

Family caregiver benefit for children: up to 35 weeks. Family caregiver benefit for adults: up to 15 weeks. Compassionate care benefit: up to 26 weeks. Benefits can be shared among eligible family members.

Can multiple family members share caregiving benefits?

Yes. Caregiving benefits can be shared among eligible family members caring for the same person. The total combined weeks cannot exceed the maximum for that benefit type.

EI Caregiving Benefits Canada: Family Caregiver & Compassionate Care (2026)

Types of EI Caregiving Benefits

Benefit Type	Maximum Weeks	Who You’re Caring For
Family Caregiver Benefit (Children)	35 weeks	Critically ill or injured child under 18
Family Caregiver Benefit (Adults)	15 weeks	Critically ill or injured adult family member
Compassionate Care Benefit	26 weeks	Family member with serious medical condition and significant risk of death

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Details
Insurable hours	600+ hours in the last 52 weeks
Family relationship	Parent, child, spouse, sibling, grandparent, in-law, etc.
Medical certificate	Doctor must certify the family member’s condition
Time off work	Your regular weekly earnings reduced by 40%+

Payment Amount

Your Weekly Earnings	Benefit (55%)	Maximum
$800	$440/week	—
$1,000	$550/week	—
$1,215+	$668/week	$668/week max

How to Apply

Step 1: Get Medical Certificate

The ill or injured family member’s doctor must complete a medical certificate confirming:

The medical condition
That they require care or support
The expected duration

Step 2: Apply Online

Go to canada.ca/ei
Sign in to My Service Canada Account
Select the appropriate caregiving benefit
Upload or mail the medical certificate
Submit application

Step 3: Coordinate with Other Caregivers

If sharing benefits with other family members, each person must apply separately but reference the same medical certificate.

Scenario	How It Works
2 parents caring for critically ill child	Up to 35 weeks total shared between both
Siblings caring for dying parent	Up to 26 weeks compassionate care shared
Spouse + adult child caring for injured adult	Up to 15 weeks shared

Who Qualifies as “Family”

Relationship	Eligible
Spouse or common-law partner	✅
Children (any age)	✅
Parents	✅
Siblings	✅
Grandparents / Grandchildren	✅
In-laws	✅
Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews	✅
Current or former foster parents/children	✅
Close friend (like family)	✅ (with attestation)

Combining with Other EI Benefits

Combination	Notes
Caregiving + Sickness	Can access both if you become ill while caregiving
Caregiving + Parental	Can take parental leave after caregiving ends
Multiple caregiving claims	Can make multiple claims for different family members