Compassionate Care and Family Medical Leave

The Compassionate Care Benefit is a Federal Government iniative designed to provide eligible employees with the opportunity to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill. Once an employee qualifies, benefits are paid through Employment Insurance.

The Family Medical Leave is complimentary to the Compassionate Care Benefit, however it is regulated at the Provincial level.  Similarly, it provides eligible employees protected time off from work to care for a gravely ill family member.  This time is unpaid.

McMaster employees not entitled to paid leave may submit a request for leave of absence form to their supervisor for approval.  If you are granted an unpaid leave by the University, then you may qualify for Compassionate Care Benefits to a maximum of 6 weeks and Ontario's Family Medical Leave to a maximum of 8 weeks in a 26-week period.  Employees are responsible for fulfilling the requirements set out by Human Resources & Skills Development Canada in order to receive these benefits.

An employee who qualifies for both leaves can receive up to a total of 8 unpaid weeks in a 26-week period of job protected time off from work. Up to 6 of those weeks may be paid at the basic rate of 55% of the employee's average insured earnings, to a maximum of $485 per week through employment insurance.

Did You Know?

For more information on basic benefit rates and qualification details for 'Compassionate Care Leave' provided by HRSDC visit Employment Insurance.

For details on Ontario's Family Medical Leave as administered through Employment Standards including qualification information and definitions of 'family member' please click here. 

Please note these two leaves are complimentary.