Being a Caregiver
As a caregiver, you may be eligible for various forms of assistance from the Government of Canada. Service Canada has prepared a list to help you prepare for this role.
1. Apply for Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
Employment Insurance (EI) provides Compassionate Care Benefits to persons who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death.
You can apply for EI benefits on-line or in person at a Service Canada Centre. You should apply as soon as you stop working, even if you receive or will receive money when you become unemployed.
2. Claim the Caregiver Amount on your Tax Return
You can claim the Caregiver amount tax credit if you lived with a dependent who was one of the following individuals:
- your or your spouse or common-law partner's child or grandchild; or
- your or your spouse or common-law partner's brother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, parent, or grandparent who resided in Canada
- other criteria may apply
Answer a few questions to find out if you can claim the caregiver amount on your tax return.
3. Take Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others
The Self-Care for Caregivers guide from the Public Health Agency of Canada provides you with information about taking care of yourself in a demanding time.
4. Explore Live-in Caregiver Options
The Live-in Caregiver Program for employers and caregivers abroad allows professional caregivers to work in Canada. Caregivers are individuals who are qualified to work without supervision in a private household providing care for children, elderly persons or people who have disabilities.
Application information for the program is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Web site.
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