07/06 - W. Michael Thomas
CFP, CLU, CH.F.C., R.F.P

     The Federal Government Announced an Expansion of the Compassionate Care Benefit Program

 
The EI Compassionate Care program provides a temporary absence from work without suffering income or job loss, to EI eligible workers, to provide care or support to a person who is at significant risk of death within 26 weeks. 
 
The requirements to qualify are the same as for EI sickness, maternity and parental benefits:
 
                        • 600 hours of insurable employment in the qualifying period in the 52 weeks prior
                           to the start of the claim, and
 
                        • An interruption of earnings or a reduction of more than 40 percent in normal
                           weekly earnings
 
As of June 15, 2006, the criteria for eligibility will include those providing care to a sibling, grandparent, grandchild, in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, foster parent, ward, guardian, or a gravely ill person who considers the claimant to be like a family member.  This criteria is expanded from those caring for a parent, child or spouse, including common-law and same-sex couples living conjugally for at least a year.

W. Michael Thomas is a partner at the Investment Guild (a division of Groupworks Financial Corp.)