You may need to take time off work to care for a family member who is terminally or critically ill or for the death of a family member.
The first two types of leave are called a compassionate care leave or family caregiving leave, and the third type of leave is known as bereavement leave.
What is a compassionate care leave?
There are provincial and federal government programs in place that allow you to take a compassionate care leave to care for a terminally ill family member.
There are two parts of a compassionate care leave. You need to apply for both of them:
- an unpaid leave from UBC of up to 27 weeks that you are entitled to under the BC Employment Standards Act, and
- a compassionate care benefit where you receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for 26 weeks if you meet eligibility requirements.
A compassionate care leave provides up to 27 weeks of job-protected unpaid leave for you to care for or support a family member if a medical practitioner issues a certificate stating that your family member has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks.
You may also be eligible for up to 26 weeks of EI compassionate care benefits from Employment & Social Development Canada (ESDC). These benefits are administered by Service Canada.
If you wish to take additional leave beyond what is stipulated under the BC Employment Standards Act, you must request this in writing from your supervisor and any approved additional leave will be considered a general unpaid leave and you will be responsible for paying the full cost of the benefits and pension you choose to maintain.
Who is considered a family member?
You may receive EI compassionate care benefits to care for a terminally ill eligible family member, as defined by ESDC.
You may also receive EI compassionate care benefits to care for a terminally ill person if that person considers you a family member, such as a close friend or neighbour. You must submit a signed Compassionate Care Benefits Attestation form from the terminally ill person or their legal representative.
What are the EI compassionate care benefits?
You can receive up to 26 weeks of EI compassionate care benefits from Service Canada within a 52-week period if you:
- meet Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility rules (600 insurable hours in the 12-month period before the start of the leave) and
- serve a one-week waiting period.
The payment is generally around 55% of your pre-leave earnings up to a specific maximum amount. For 2024, the maximum is $668/week.
You may share the 26 weeks of EI compassionate care benefits with another family member who is also providing care. Only one person is required to serve the one-week unpaid waiting period. Each family member can claim the benefits at any time during the 52-week period, either at the same time or at different times.
How and when do I apply for an unpaid compassionate care leave and EI benefits?
You should apply for a leave of absence from your department in writing, notifying them of the dates you expect to leave and return to work.
You will also need to include a copy of the medical certificate from a doctor or medical practitioner stating that your family member has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks and requires the care or support of one or more family members. Save the original for your EI compassionate care benefits application. The personal information provided in the medical certificate is collected under section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSBC 1996, c. 165 and will be used for the purposes of leave administration.
You or your department can submit the leave through Workday.
For Workday resources and help visit the Integrated Service Centre.
To coincide with EI payment weeks and avoid any possible loss of EI benefits begin your leave on a Sunday and end it on a Saturday (return from the leave on a Sunday).
You should apply for EI compassionate care benefits through Service Canada as soon as possible after you stop working. If you delay applying for benefits later than four weeks after your last day of work, you risk losing these benefits.
A Record of Employment (ROE) is required for your EI application. Your Payroll Representative will automatically send your ROE electronically to Service Canada after your last paycheque. You do not need to request a ROE from UBC.
If you would like to speak with someone at UBC regarding your Record of Employment:
When can I start my compassionate care leave and EI compassionate care benefits?
You may start your unpaid compassionate care leave and EI compassionate care benefits on the earlier of the following weeks, and within 52 weeks of that week:
- the week the doctor signs the medical certificate, or
- the week the doctor examines the terminally ill family member, or
- the week the family member became terminally ill, if the doctor can determine that date (for example, the date of the test results).
You do not need to take your leave all at once. You can take the leave in units of one or more weeks.
When does my EI compassionate care benefits end?
Your EI compassionate care benefits will end:
- when 26 weeks of compassionate care benefits have been paid to you or other caregivers; or
- after the terminally ill family member dies or no longer requires care or support (benefits are paid to the end of the week); or
- the 52-week period has expired.
The maximum number of EI compassionate care benefits that is payable is 26 weeks. However, you may also take EI compassionate care benefits consecutively with EI family caregiver benefits (see next section).
What is a family caregiving leave?
There are also provincial and federal government programs in place that allow you to take a family caregiving leave to care for a critically ill or injured family member or person that considers you a family member.
There are two parts of a family caregiving leave. You need to apply for both of them:
- an unpaid leave from UBC of up to 16 weeks to care for an adult over age 18 or up to 36 weeks to care for a child aged 18 and under which you are entitled to under the BC Employment Standards Act. If you plan to apply for EI family caregiving benefits you will need to apply for Family Caregiver Leave from your department in writing, notifying them of the dates you expect to leave and return to work.
- You may also be eligible for EI family caregiving benefits to care for a critically ill or injured family member or person that considers you a family member (up to 15 weeks to care for an adult over age 18 or up to 35 weeks to care for a child aged 18 and under) from Employment & Social Development Canada (ESDC). You will apply for the EI family caregiving benefits for adults or children through Service Canada.
If you wish to take additional leave beyond what is stipulated under the BC Employment Standards Act, you must request this in writing from your supervisor and any approved additional leave will be considered a general unpaid leave and you will be responsible for paying the full cost of the benefits and pension you choose to maintain.
You may take EI compassionate care benefits consecutively with EI family caregiving benefits (you can receive EI family caregiving benefits after your EI compassionate care benefits come to an end; or you can receive EI compassionate care benefits after your EI family caregiving benefits in the unfortunate event that the critically ill or injured person’s health deteriorates. In this case, you must meet the eligibility criteria for both benefits).
Who is considered a family member?
You may receive EI family caregiving benefits to care for a critically ill or injured eligible family member, as defined by ESDC.
You may also receive EI family caregiving benefits to care for a critically ill or injured person if that person considers you a family member, such as a close friend or neighbour. You must submit a signed Family Caregiving Benefits Attestation form from the critically ill or injured person or their legal representative.
What are the EI family caregiving benefits?
You can receive up to 15 weeks of EI family caregiving benefits from Service Canada for an adult and up to 35 weeks of EI family caregiving benefits from Service Canada for a child (age 18 or under) within a 52-week period if you:
- meet Employment Insurance (EI) eligibility rules (600 insurable hours in the 12-month period before the start of the leave) and
- serve a one-week waiting period.
The payment is generally around 55% of your pre-leave earnings up to a specific maximum amount. For 2024, the maximum is $668/week.
You may share the 26 weeks of EI family caregiving benefits with another family member who is also providing care. Only one person is required to serve the one-week unpaid waiting period. Each family member can claim the benefits at any time during the 52-week period, either at the same time or at different times.
How and when do I apply for an unpaid family caregiving leave and EI benefits?
The BC Employment Standards Act includes family caregiver leave under Sec 52.11 Critical illness or injury leave; if you plan to apply for EI family caregiving benefits you will need to apply for Family Caregiver Leave from your department in writing, notifying them of the dates you expect to leave and return to work.
You will also need to include a copy of the medical certificate from a doctor or medical practitioner stating that the life of your family member is at risk as a result of an illness or injury and requires the care or support of one or more family members. Save the original for your EI family caregiving benefits application. The personal information provided in the medical certificate is collected under section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, RSBC 1996, c. 165 and will be used for the purposes of leave administration.
You or your department can submit the leave through Workday.
For Workday resources and help visit the Integrated Service Centre.
To coincide with EI payment weeks and avoid any possible loss of EI benefits begin your leave on a Sunday and end it on a Saturday (return from the leave on a Sunday).
You should apply for EI family caregiving benefits through Service Canada as soon as possible after you stop working. If you delay applying for benefits later than four weeks after your last day of work, you risk losing these benefits.
A Record of Employment (ROE) is required for your EI application. Your Payroll Representative will automatically send your ROE electronically to Service Canada after your last paycheque. You do not need to request a ROE from UBC.
If you would like to speak with someone at UBC regarding your Record of Employment:
When can I start my family caregiving leave and EI family caregiving benefits?
You may start your unpaid family caregiving leave and EI family caregiving benefits on the earlier of the following weeks, and within 52 weeks of that week:
- the week the doctor signs the medical certificate, or
- the week the family member became critically ill or injured, if the doctor can determine that date (for example, the date of the test results).
You do not need to take your leave all at once. You can take the leave in units of one or more weeks.
When does my EI family caregiving benefits end?
Your EI family caregiving benefits will end:
- when the maximum 35 or 15 weeks of family caregiving benefits have been paid to you or other caregivers; or
- after the critically ill or injured family member no longer requires care or support (benefits are paid to the end of the week); or
- the 52-week period has expired.
The maximum number of EI family caregiving benefits that is payable is 15 weeks for an adult or 35 weeks for a child (age 18 or under). However, you may also take EI family caregiving benefits consecutively with EI compassionate care benefits (see section above).
Will I still receive my benefits when I’m on compassionate care or family caregiving leave?
See the section Benefits Coverage while on a Leave for more information.
Bereavement leaves
Under the BC Employment Standards Act, employees are eligible for up to 3 days of unpaid bereavement leave if an immediate family member dies. You may be eligible for paid compassionate or bereavement leave from UBC depending on your Employee Group.
| UBC Employee Group | Allowed Length of Compassionate or Bereavement Leave |
| Academic Executive | Not eligible. |
| Administrative Executive | You will be granted three days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a parent, grandparent, spouse, partner, child, in-law, brother or sister. Upon request, there is the option to extend your paid leave for an additional three days. |
| BCGEU Vancouver (Child Care) | You will be granted three days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a child, (including stepchild), parent, spouse, partner, sibling, parent-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren and any other relative permanently residing with you. For self-identifying Indigenous employees, this leave will also be granted for the passing of an Elder close to them and/or the community, as well as any individual the employee considers a close family member consistent with the cultural norms of their community (e.g., aunt, uncle). Upon request, there is the option to extend your paid leave for an additional three days. |
| BCGEU Okanagan | You will be granted up to five days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a parent, spouse, partner, sibling, child, partner’s child, ward, grandparent, grandchild, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and any other relative permanently residing with you or who you reside with. As well, with the approval of your department head, you may also have one day’s leave without a deduction in pay to attend a funeral of a friend or relation not defined as above. |
| CUPE 116 | You will be granted five days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a parent, spouse, partner or child. You are entitled to three days of paid leave for the death of a brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandmother, grandfather or grandchild. For self-identifying Indigenous employees, this leave will also be granted for the passing of an Elder close to them and/or the community, as well as any individual the employee considers a close family member consistent with the cultural norms of their community (e.g., aunt, uncle). Permanent staff of the UBC Aquatics Centre are entitled to up to three days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a parent, step-parent, spouse, partner, child, brother, sister, parents-in-law, grandparents and grandchildren. To be eligible for a leave for the death of a partner, you must have cohabitated with your partner for one year before their death |
| CUPE 2278 | Teaching Assistants: You are entitled to five days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a parent, spouse, partner or child. You are entitled to three days of paid leave for the death of a brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandmother, grandfather or grandchild. In special circumstances, an employee may be granted further leave without loss of pay. English as an Additional Language Instructors: Continuing employees are eligible for the same compassionate leave benefit as Teaching Assistants (part-time employees on a pro-rata basis according to the number of hours worked per month). Casual employees are not eligible for paid compassionate leave. |
| CUPE 2950 | You will be granted five days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a spouse, common-law spouse or partner, children, grandchildren, parents, parents-in-law, sibling, sibling-in-law, and grandparents, or for the death of a person whose relationship is not defined above, but the impact of which is comparable to that of the immediate family (e.g., a close friend). Any relative permanently residing in the employee's household or with whom the employee permanently resides is also considered an immediate family member. For self-identifying Indigenous employees, this leave will also be granted for the passing of an Elder close to them and/or the community, as well as any individual the employee considers a close family member, consistent with the cultural norms of their community (e.g., aunt, uncle). Upon written request, there is the option to extend your paid leave for an additional three days. You may also have a one day of leave without a deduction in pay to attend a funeral or memorial service upon request. |
| Executive Administrative | You will be granted three days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a parent, grandparent, spouse, partner, child, ward, brother, sister, grandchild, or in-law Upon request, there is the option to extend your paid leave for an additional three days. Upon approval, you may also have a half-day paid leave to attend a funeral or memorial service. The half day may be extended to a full day if you have a significant role in arranging or conducting the service or ceremony. |
| Faculty | Not eligible. |
| Farm Workers | You are entitled to five days of paid leave for the death of your parent, spouse, partner or child. You are entitled to three days of paid leave for the death of a brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandmother, grandfather or grandchild. In special circumstances, you may be granted further leave without loss of pay or benefits. Upon approval, you may also have a half-day paid leave to attend a funeral or memorial service. The half day may be extended to a full day if you have a significant role in arranging or conducting the service or ceremony. |
| IUOE 115 | You will be granted five regularly scheduled consecutive work days of paid leave for the death of a parent, spouse, common-law spouse or child. You are entitled to three regularly scheduled consecutive work days of paid leave for the death of a brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandmother, grandfather or grandchild. For self-identifying Indigenous employees, this leave will also be granted for the passing of an Elder close to them and/or the community, as well as any individual the employee considers a close family member, consistent with the cultural norms of their community (e.g., aunt, uncle). With the approval of your department head, you may also have a half-day of leave without a deduction in pay to attend a funeral or memorial service. |
| Management & Professional | You will be granted five days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, which is defined as a parent, grandparent, spouse, common-law spouse, child, in-law, brother or sister. For Indigenous employees, this leave will also be granted for the passing of an Elder close to them and/or the community, as well as any individual the employee considers a close family member, consistent with the cultural norms of their community (e.g., aunt, uncle). Upon request, there is the option to extend your paid leave for an additional three days. |
| Non-Union Technicians and Research Assistants | You are entitled to five days of paid leave for the death of your parent, spouse, partner or child. You are entitled to three days of paid leave for the death of a brother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandmother, grandfather or grandchild. In special circumstances, you may be granted further leave without loss of pay or benefits. Upon approval, you may also have a half-day paid leave to attend a funeral or memorial service. The half day may be extended to a full day if you have a significant role in arranging or conducting the service or ceremony. |
| Postdoctoral Fellows (Award Recipients) | You may take bereavement leave in accordance with your fellowship/granting agency. Ensure that your supervisor is informed of your leave and the reason for it. |
| Post-doctoral Fellows (Employees) | You are entitled to up to three days of unpaid leave on the death of a member of your immediate family, which is defined as a spouse, child, parent, guardian, sibling, grandchild or grandparent of an employee; and any person who lives with the employee as a member of the employee’s family. These days do not have to be consecutive, or start on the date of death. At the discretion of the Department and Supervising Faculty member, you may be paid bereavement leave. |