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Benefits increase
The Federal Government has decided to increase the number of benefit weeks for the EI sickness benefits. It will increase from 15 weeks to 26 weeks. The 26 weeks sickness benefits will only apply to claims that start on or after December 18th, 2022. Any claims that began prior to this date will not see their benefit weeks increased.
Special benefits combination
If you are pregnant and is unable to work due to pregnancy, you may request your employer to issue a ROE with reason for separation code D (illness). Under the EI special benefits rule, you may be able to get paid for a combined EI special benefits over 52 weeks if there is no regular benefits involved.
Therefore, you may request to begin your Sickness EI (26 weeks) + Maternity EI (15 weeks) + Parental EI (regular 35 weeks) altogether without interuption. For more details, you may contact EI call centre to seek clarification based on your situation.