The EI benefits available to the self-employed people are limited benefits. They do not cover regular EI benefits due to lay-offs or business slow-downs. They are special benefits only including the following:
Maternity benefits are for mothers who give birth. These benefits cover the period surrounding the child’s birth (up to 15 weeks).
Parental benefits are for any parent (mother or father) to care for their newborn or newly adopted child or children. Either parent can receive benefits, or they can share benefits between them (up to 35 weeks).
Sickness benefits are for people who cannot work due to injury, illness, or the need to be isolated in quarantine because they may be carrying a disease (up to 15 weeks).
Compassionate care benefits are for people who must be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death (up to six weeks). The six weeks of benefits can be shared between different family members who applied and are eligible to receive them.
Benefits for parents of critically ill children are for parents who take leave from work to provide care or support to their critically ill or injured child.