When a serious illness, injury, or end-of-life situation affects someone you care about, taking time away from work can create significant financial pressure. EI caregiving benefits provide temporary income support to eligible workers who need to step away from work to care for or support a critically ill or injured family member, or someone who needs end-of-life care.
Employment Insurance (EI) caregiving benefits are not limited to parents or spouses. Depending on the circumstances, you may qualify to care for a child, an adult, or someone who is considered to be like family.
For 2026, eligible claimants can generally receive 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week. The maximum number of weeks depends on the type of caregiving benefit you claim.
This guide explains the three types of EI caregiving benefits, eligibility requirements, payment amounts, benefit periods, required documents, and how to apply.
What Are EI Caregiving Benefits?
EI caregiving benefits are a type of Employment Insurance special benefit available to eligible people who temporarily reduce or stop working to provide care or support to someone who is critically ill, critically injured, or receiving end-of-life care.
The program recognizes two types of support:
- Care: Participating directly in the care of the person.
- Support: Providing psychological or emotional support.
You do not necessarily have to live with the person you are supporting. You also do not always have to be a biological or legal family member. In certain circumstances, someone who is considered to be “like family” can qualify.
There are three EI caregiving benefits:
| EI caregiving benefit | Who it is for | Maximum weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Family caregiver benefit for children | Critically ill or injured child under 18 | Up to 35 weeks |
| Family caregiver benefit for adults | Critically ill or injured person age 18 or older | Up to 15 weeks |
| Compassionate care benefits | Person requiring end-of-life care | Up to 26 weeks |
The available weeks can generally be shared among eligible caregivers. The total maximum for the same care recipient does not increase simply because several people claim the benefit.
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1. Family Caregiver Benefit for Children
The family caregiver benefit for children is designed for people who need to leave work or substantially reduce their work to care for or support a critically ill or injured child under 18.
The child must have experienced a significant change in their baseline state of health because of illness or injury. The condition must place the child’s life at risk, and a medical doctor or nurse practitioner must certify that the child requires care or support from one or more caregivers.
Eligible caregivers can receive up to 35 weeks of benefits within the applicable 52-week caregiving window.
The benefit is not restricted to the child’s parents. Other eligible family members or people considered to be like family may also qualify if they meet the requirements.
2. Family Caregiver Benefit for Adults
The family caregiver benefit for adults applies when you need to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured person who is 18 or older.
The maximum is 15 weeks of benefits for the same adult care recipient.
As with the child benefit, a medical doctor or nurse practitioner must certify the person’s condition and the need for care or support.
This benefit can be particularly important for workers who need time away from employment to support a seriously ill parent, spouse, sibling, relative, or another person who qualifies as family under the EI rules.
3. Compassionate Care Benefits
Compassionate care benefits are different from the family caregiver benefits because they apply when the person has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks, or six months.
The person must require care or support from at least one caregiver, and their condition must be certified by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Eligible caregivers can receive up to 26 weeks of compassionate care benefits.
The benefit can apply whether the person receiving care is an adult or a child.
Read More: EI Parental Benefits Canada: Standard vs Extended Benefits ExplainedWho Is Eligible for EI Caregiving Benefits?
Eligibility depends on your employment situation and the circumstances of the person receiving care.
For an insurable employee, you generally need to meet two key conditions:
- You must have accumulated at least 600 insured hours during the qualifying period.
- Your regular weekly earnings from work must have decreased by more than 40% for at least one week because you are taking time away from work to provide care or support.
The qualifying period is generally the shorter of the 52 weeks before your claim begins or the period since the beginning of your previous EI claim.
Medical certification is required
The person you are caring for must meet the applicable medical definition.
For family caregiver benefits, a medical doctor or nurse practitioner must certify that the person is critically ill or injured and requires care or support.
For compassionate care benefits, the medical professional must certify that the person has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks.
Simply having a long-term illness does not automatically make someone eligible. For example, if someone already has a chronic condition, the caregiver generally needs to demonstrate a significant change in the person’s baseline health caused by a new and acute life-threatening event for family caregiver benefits to apply.
What If You Are Self-Employed?
Self-employed Canadians can also access EI caregiving benefits, but additional requirements apply.
You generally need to have agreed with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC), and that agreement must have been active for at least 12 months before applying.
For benefits between January 1 and December 31, 2026, a self-employed person must also have earned at least $9,254 in net self-employed earnings in 2025.
In addition, your time devoted to your business must have decreased by more than 40% for at least one week because you are taking time away to provide care or support.
Self-employed applicants should check their agreement status through My Service Canada Account before applying.
EI Caregiving Benefits for Fishers
Self-employed fishers have separate eligibility rules.
For 2026, a fisher must have earned at least $3,760 from self-employment in fishing during the qualifying period to meet the earnings requirement for these benefits.
Other eligibility conditions may also apply depending on the individual’s circumstances.
How Much Are EI Caregiving Benefits in 2026?
For 2026, EI caregiving benefits can pay 55% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week.
The maximum is based on the 2026 maximum insurable earnings of $68,900.
Example of EI caregiving benefit calculation
Suppose your average insurable weekly earnings are $1,000.
A simplified calculation would be:
$1,000 × 55% = $550 per week
Your estimated weekly EI caregiving benefit would therefore be about $550 before applicable deductions.
If your average insurable weekly earnings were $1,500:
$1,500 × 55% = $825
Because the 2026 maximum is $729 per week, your EI benefit would be capped at $729 per week.
The actual amount is determined by Service Canada after processing your claim, so an estimate should not be treated as a guaranteed payment.
How Many Weeks of EI Caregiving Benefits Can You Get?
The maximum depends on the benefit type.
| Situation | Maximum EI benefits |
|---|---|
| Critically ill or injured child under 18 | 35 weeks |
| Critically ill or injured adult | 15 weeks |
| End-of-life care | 26 weeks |
These benefits generally need to be used within a 52-week window beginning from the applicable medical certification date. Benefits can be taken continuously or spread across separate periods, depending on the circumstances.
Read More: EI Maternity Benefits Canada: Eligibility, Amounts, Weeks & Application GuideCan family members share EI caregiving benefits?
Yes.
Eligible caregivers can share the available weeks. They may claim benefits at the same time or one after another.
For example, suppose a critically ill adult qualifies for the family caregiver benefit. Two eligible family members could divide the available 15 weeks between them rather than having only one person claim all 15 weeks.
However, sharing the benefit does not create additional weeks. The total remains subject to the applicable maximum for that care recipient. Each caregiver must submit their own EI application.
Can You Get EI Caregiving Benefits If You Are Not a Close Relative?
Possibly.
EI uses a broader definition of family than simply biological relationships. A person can potentially qualify if they are considered to be like family to the person requiring care or support.
If you are not related to the person, the person receiving care or their legal representative generally needs to complete a Family Member Attestation Form confirming that you are considered to be like family.
You do not necessarily have to live with the person either.
This is important for close friends or other individuals who provide substantial support but do not have a formal family relationship.
How to Apply for EI Caregiving Benefits
You should apply as soon as possible after you stop working or your earnings are reduced. Waiting too long can result in lost benefits.
You can submit the EI application online through the Government of Canada’s Employment Insurance system. Supporting documents can generally be submitted after the application.
Step 1: Gather your information
You will generally need information such as:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Mailing and home address
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Information about the person receiving care
- Your relationship to the person
- Names and addresses of employers during the past 52 weeks
- Employment dates
- Records of Employment (ROEs), where applicable
- Medical certification
- Authorization to release medical information
- Family Member Attestation, if you are considered to be like family rather than a relative
Electronic ROEs are normally sent directly to Service Canada by employers. Paper ROEs may need to be provided by the applicant.
Step 2: Complete the online EI application
Complete and submit the application as soon as possible.
You do not necessarily need every supporting document in your possession before starting the application. The Government of Canada states that supporting documents can be provided after submitting the application.
Step 3: Get the required medical certificate
For family caregiver benefits, a medical doctor or nurse practitioner must complete the appropriate medical certificate.
The certificate confirms the person’s condition, their need for care or support, and the expected period during which care or support will be required.
For compassionate care benefits, the medical certificate must confirm the serious medical condition and significant risk of death within 26 weeks.
Step 4: Submit supporting documents
After completing the application, Service Canada will provide information about the documents you need to submit.
Documents can be uploaded through My Service Canada Account or submitted through other available methods, such as mail or a Service Canada location.
When Should You Apply?
Do not wait until all your paperwork is complete before starting the application.
The Government of Canada recommends applying as soon as possible after you stop working or your earnings are reduced. Delaying your application can result in losing benefits.
A medical certificate can be provided as part of the supporting documentation process.
If the person needs care for longer than the period originally certified, another medical certificate may be required. However, the applicable maximum number of benefit weeks cannot be exceeded.
Read More: EI Sickness Benefits Canada 2026: Eligibility, Payment Amounts & How to ApplyWhen Will EI Caregiving Payments Start?
If you are eligible and have submitted all required information, the Government of Canada says the first payment generally arrives about 28 days after you apply.
The exact timing can vary depending on the claim and whether additional information is required.
EI payments are generally issued every two weeks after the claim is established and the required reporting is completed.
Is There an EI Waiting Period?
EI caregiving benefits can involve a one-week waiting period under the standard rules, although temporary measures can change whether the waiting period applies.
For claims beginning between March 30, 2025 and October 10, 2026, the Government of Canada has implemented temporary measures that waive the waiting period on initial EI claims.
Because these measures are temporary, applicants should check the current Service Canada rules when submitting a claim.
When multiple caregivers share benefits for the same person, only one caregiver generally serves the waiting period when a waiting period applies.
Are EI Caregiving Benefits Taxable?
Yes. EI payments are generally taxable income, and tax is deducted at source.
EI caregiving benefits are special EI benefits, and they are treated differently from regular EI benefits for certain repayment rules. In particular, the regular EI benefit repayment provisions do not apply to family caregiver or compassionate care benefits in the same way they apply to regular EI benefits.
You should still include EI payments in your tax reporting and consider the amount of tax withheld when estimating your actual take-home income.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting your application, you may need to complete biweekly reports to continue receiving benefits.
These reports can ask about:
- Dates and hours worked
- Earnings before deductions
- Employers
- School or training
- Training allowances
- Availability for work
- Time spent outside Canada
- Other money received
You should report changes accurately because your eligibility can change if your work situation or the condition of the person you are caring for changes.
Important Limitations to Understand
EI caregiving benefits are helpful, but they are not designed to replace your full employment income.
Keep these limitations in mind:
The benefit is capped. Even if 55% of your average weekly earnings would be more than $729, the maximum weekly payment for 2026 is $729.
Medical certification is essential. A general diagnosis or ordinary family illness does not automatically qualify someone for caregiving benefits.
The weeks are limited. The maximum is 35 weeks for a qualifying child, 15 weeks for a qualifying adult, and 26 weeks for compassionate care.
Shared benefits do not increase the maximum. If multiple caregivers claim benefits for the same person, they share the applicable maximum number of weeks.
The 52-week window matters. Caregiving benefits must generally be used within the applicable 52-week period.
Your work reduction matters. For an insurable employee, regular weekly earnings generally need to decrease by more than 40% for at least one week because of the caregiving situation.
Practical Example: How EI Caregiving Benefits Could Work
Imagine Sarah works full-time and earns average insurable weekly earnings of $1,200.
Her father, who is over 18, becomes critically ill and requires her care and support. A nurse practitioner certifies that he is critically ill and needs care from a caregiver.
Sarah takes time away from work, causing her weekly earnings to fall by more than 40%.
If she meets the other EI requirements, her estimated benefit before the maximum is:
$1,200 × 55% = $660 per week
Because $660 is below the 2026 maximum of $729, her estimated weekly EI caregiving benefit would be approximately $660 before applicable deductions.
Because this is an adult family caregiver situation, the maximum available benefit period is up to 15 weeks for the same care recipient. If another eligible family member also needs to take time away from work, they may share those weeks.
The actual payment and entitlement would be determined by Service Canada after reviewing the claim.
Read More: Canada EI Benefits Explained- Types, Eligibility, Payments & How to ApplyExpert Tips for Applying for EI Caregiving Benefits
Apply early
Do not delay the EI application while waiting for every document. Start the process as soon as you stop working or your earnings are reduced.
Ask the medical professional for specific information
The medical certificate needs to establish the person’s condition and need for care or support. Make sure the expected care period is clearly documented.
Keep employment records
Keep your pay records, ROEs, employer information, and details of your work reduction available in case Service Canada needs additional information.
Understand the maximum before planning your finances
A maximum of $729 per week does not mean every claimant receives $729. Most eligible claimants receive 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings, subject to the maximum.
Coordinate with other caregivers
If several family members will share the benefit, discuss who will claim which weeks before submitting applications. Each eligible caregiver must submit their own application.
Check temporary rules
EI rules and temporary measures can change. Always verify the current requirements with the Government of Canada before making financial decisions based on an EI claim.
How much do EI caregiving benefits pay in 2026?
EI caregiving benefits generally pay 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week in 2026.
How many weeks can I receive EI caregiving benefits?
It depends on the situation. You may receive up to 35 weeks for a critically ill or injured child under 18, 15 weeks for a critically ill or injured adult, or 26 weeks for compassionate care.
Can siblings share EI caregiving benefits?
Eligible family members can share family caregiver benefits. The available weeks are shared rather than increased, and each caregiver must submit their own application.
Can I get EI caregiving benefits for a parent?
Yes, if the parent meets the applicable definition of a critically ill or injured adult or requires end-of-life care, and you meet the other EI eligibility requirements.
Do I have to live with the person I am caring for?
No. You do not necessarily have to live with the person. You can potentially qualify even if you do not live together.
Can I receive EI caregiving benefits for someone who is not a relative?
Potentially. A person who is considered to be like family may qualify. The appropriate attestation must generally be completed when the caregiver is not related to the person requiring care.
Is there a benefit for caring for a critically ill adult?
Yes. The family caregiver benefit for adults provides up to 15 weeks for an eligible caregiver providing care or support to a critically ill or injured adult.
What is the difference between family caregiver benefits and compassionate care benefits?
Family caregiver benefits are for a critically ill or injured child or adult. Compassionate care benefits are for a person with a serious medical condition who has a significant risk of death within 26 weeks and needs end-of-life care.
How long does EI caregiving take to pay?
If you are eligible and have supplied all required information, the Government of Canada says you will generally receive your first payment about 28 days after applying.
Final Thoughts
EI caregiving benefits can provide important temporary income support when you need to step away from work because someone close to you is seriously ill, injured, or approaching the end of life.
The key figures for 2026 are straightforward: eligible claimants can generally receive 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to $729 per week, with maximum benefit periods of 35 weeks for a critically ill or injured child, 15 weeks for a critically ill or injured adult, and 26 weeks for compassionate care.
Eligibility is not automatic. Your work history, reduction in earnings, the medical condition of the person receiving care, and the required documentation all matter.
If you think you may qualify, applying promptly and gathering the medical and employment documentation early can help avoid unnecessary delays. Because EI rules and temporary measures can change, check the latest Government of Canada requirements before relying on a specific payment amount or waiting-period rule.