EI Caregiver Benefits for Ontario Autism Families

The Family Caregiver Benefit for Children can provide up to 35 weeks. Eligible caregivers can share the weeks at the same time or one after another. EI caregiving benefits pay 55% of earnings, up to $729 a week in 2026. A doctor or nurse practitioner must certify that the child is critically ill or injured.

For autism families, this benefit most commonly applies during acute medical events — for example, a child hospitalized for epilepsy (a common autism comorbidity), a mental health crisis requiring inpatient treatment, or recovery from surgery. The autism diagnosis itself does not qualify, but the medical complications that frequently co-occur with autism may.

Ontario parents must have accumulated at least 600 insured hours in the 52 weeks before the claim. Self-employed individuals who have opted into the EI program are also eligible.

Parents who experience their own health issues related to caregiving stress — including burnout, depression, or anxiety — may qualify for EI Sickness Benefits. These provide up to 26 weeks of income replacement at 55% of earnings.

Caregiving stress can affect a parent's health. When a physician certifies that a parent cannot work because of illness, EI Sickness Benefits may bridge part of the income gap.

Apply online as soon as possible after you stop working or your earnings are reduced. A doctor or nurse practitioner must complete and sign the medical certificate. Electronic ROEs go directly to Service Canada; if your employer issues paper ROEs, provide them as soon as possible after you apply. If you are eligible and provide all required information, your first payment should arrive about 28 days after you apply.

If your employer offers a short-term disability plan or top-up benefits, ask how those payments interact with EI. If you are unionized, check your collective agreement or ask your union representative.