DATE: March 17th, 2020
RE: COVID-19 EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) BENEFITS
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
The impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt by individuals and communities around the world. On March 11th, 2020 the Government of Canada announced new changes to the EI Sickness Benefits.
“Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and is available to eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. Canadians quarantined can apply for EI Sickness Benefits”
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Under normal circumstances, there is a 1-week unpaid waiting period if you qualify for the EI Sickness Benefits; however, these recent modifications include waiving the 1-week waiting period so you can now be paid for the first week of your claim. Additional changes include: priority processing; no medical certificates required for quarantined workers; ability to back-date claim if unable to complete claim due to quarantine.
If you have been affected by COVID-19, then you should contact their dedicated toll-free number:
TELEPHONE: 1-888-381-2725
TELETYPEWRITER (TTY): 1-800-529-3742
Above all, we hope that our members and families remain healthy during this critical period. We will continue to actively monitor this situation as it develops and keep you informed.
Best of Health,
Richard Gill
President/Business Manager – Teamsters Union Local 855