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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.

Saving in the wrong registered account can quietly destroy a low-income worker’s retirement setup. Read our guide on TFSA vs RRSP for Low Income Earners: Avoid the GIS Retirement Trap to discover why RRSP withdrawals trigger a hidden 50% benefit clawback—and how shifting to a TFSA protects your Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits.

Stop wasting money on monthly bank fees and missing out on valuable rewards! Discover how switching to Canada’s top no-fee bank accounts and zero-annual-fee cash-back credit cards can help you keep more money in your pocket. Read our article Best No-Fee Bank Accounts & Cash-Back Cards in Canada (2026 Guide) at Unemployment Canada to start saving today.
 
Discover how to maximize your tax-free government relief with complete CRA details on the newly launched Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). Learn about updated 2026 eligibility rules, enhanced quarterly payout schedules, and maximum income limits. Read our article Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026: Eligibility & Payment Schedule, at taxservicecanada.ca.
 
Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year.

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