Service Canada has waived the one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim.
Service Canada has also established a new dedicated toll-free phone number to support enquiries related to waiving the EI sickness benefits waiting period.
The agency will be processing EI sickness claims on priority for clients under quarantine, and those claiming EI sickness benefits due to quarantine will not have to provide a medical certificate.
People who cannot complete their claim for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine may apply later and have their EI claim backdated to cover the delay.
People in quarantine can contact the new dedicated toll-free phone number to waive off the waiting period so they can be paid for the first week of their claim:
Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742
Those who are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, have difficulty breathing or are in self-isolation or quarantine are asked to not enter any Service Canada office.
They can access the services online or by calling 1 800 O-Canada.