In this episode, Kim and Isa discuss the types of benefits that Freelancers are entitled to given by the Gouvernment of Canada. Unfortunately, we do not know any information about US benefits but if you are canadian, there’s quite a few benefits that you are allowed to “ask for”.
Kim recently went through the whole process for her maternity leave and she explains to us what she did.
Here’s a few websites where you can get more information about your own benefits.
Provincial
http://www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca/Index_en.asp
Federal
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html
http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/ei/self_employed_workers/index.page
As the overview states :
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 26 weeks). The 26 weeks of benefits can be shared between different family members who applied and are eligible to receive them.
Parents of critically ill children benefits are for parents who must be away from work to care for or support their critically ill or injured child. Either parent can receive benefits or they can share benefits between them (up to 35 weeks).
Currently, if you are a self-employed person in Quebec, you are already entitled to apply for maternity, paternity, and parental benefits through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. If you choose to register with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission, you will be eligible to apply for EI sickness, compassionate care and parents of critically ill children benefits.
Enjoy the episode.