[ Browse by Service Category : Income Support and Employment : Sub-Topics of Social Insurance Programs (25) ]

COVID Related Benefits

Temporary benefits from the federal or provincial governments for eligible individuals impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.

[ View Programs and Services (1) ]

Disability Benefits

Public social insurance programs that replace income lost because of a physical or mental impairment severe enough to prevent a previously employed person from working. Monthly cash benefits are paid to the eligible individual with a disability and his or her eligible dependents throughout the period of disability.

[ Sub-Topics | View Programs and Services (7) ]

Employment Insurance

A federal program operated by Employment and Social Development Canada that provides temporary financial assistance for a period of time to eligible individuals who become unemployed and are either actively looking for work or upgrading their skills. Employment insurance may also cover individuals who are sick, pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child. Eligibility for benefits is dependent on payment of employment insurance deductions while employed. Regular benefits are paid to persons who have lost their job through no fault of their own (for example, due to a shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs). Self-employed individuals within the fishing industry may also apply for benefits. A compassionate care benefit may also be paid to persons who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. Applicants for regular benefits must apply as soon as acquiring a Record of Employment (ROE) from their last employer. If an ROE is not received within 14 days of the last day of work, an application should be made regardless, with the provision of proof of employment such as pay stubs. A claim must be made within four weeks of the last day of work. There is a two week waiting period for benefits and the first payment is generally received about four weeks after the initial claim. During this period, individuals can apply for social assistance, although this may result in deductions in the eventual EI payments. Generally, EI benefits may be received for around six months. However, the length of time varies in different parts of the country depending on local employment conditions. Maternity, parental and adoption benefits for residents of Quebec are administered by the province of Quebec under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP).

[ View Programs and Services (7) ]

Retirement Benefits

Public programs administered by retirement disbursement authorities that make monthly cash payments to eligible workers and their eligible dependents following retirement. The amount of the monthly cheque is based on the worker's earnings and the length of time contributions were made to the retirement program.

[ Sub-Topics | View Programs and Services (7) ]

Social Health Insurance

Public social insurance programs that provide benefits to cover all or a portion of the health care costs of covered individuals and their eligible dependents.

[ Sub-Topics | View Programs and Services (16) | Related Topics ]

Survivors Insurance

Public social insurance programs that replace income lost to dependents because of a worker's death. Monthly cash benefits are paid to the eligible dependents of deceased workers.

[ Sub-Topics | View Programs and Services (5) ]

The above terms and definitions are part of the Taxonomy of Human Services, used here by permission of INFO LINE of Los Angeles.


Any omissions are unintentional and HIP disclaims any liability for unauthorized use or reproduction of any portion of this site. For a complete copyright and license statement please refer to our Terms of Use.