Family and Children Financial Assistance

• A maximum of 15 weeks of EI maternity benefits is available
• Benefits can be paid as early as 12 weeks before the expected date of birth and not more than 17 weeks after the due date
• The weekly benefit rate is 55% of the claimant's average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum amount
• Individual claiming maternity benefits may be able to also claim parental benefits

• Standard Parental Benefits:
  • Can be paid for a maximum of 40 weeks and shared by parents but one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks
  • Must be claimed within a 52 week period (12 months) after the week the child was born or placed for the purpose of adoption
  • The weekly benefit rate is 55% of the claimant's average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum amount
• Extended Parental Benefits:
  • Can be paid for a maximum of 69 weeks and shared by parents but one parent cannot claim more than 61 weeks
  • Must be claimed within a 78-week period (18 months) after the week the child was born or placed for the purpose of adoption
  • The benefit rate is 33% of the claimant's average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum amount

• Family Caregiver Benefit for Children: Providing care to a critically ill or injured person under 18 years (maximum weeks payable up to 35 weeks)
• Family Caregiver Benefit for Adults: Providing care to a critically ill or injured person 18 years or older(maximum weeks payable up to 15 weeks)
• Compassionate Care Benefits: A person of any age who requires end-of-life care (maximum weeks payable up to 26 weeks)

Provides preventative services to all children from birth to age 17. The services are provided in schools and dental health clinics in Charlottetown, Summerside and the Tignish Health Centre. Call to find out when the service will be provided in the attended school. Preventative services Includes:

• Annual oral health risk assessment
• Oral health education
• Topical fluoride application to prevent tooth decay
• Scaling and/or polishing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease by removing plaque and tartar
• Application of pit and fissure sealants on teeth to prevent tooth decay

Note: The annual risk assessment is not a substitute for a child's annual dental check up.

Funds orthodontic treatment for children in Epekwitk / PEI who have an orthodontic anomaly as a result of a cleft palate. Level of funding is 50% - 100% depending on family income and family size.

Note: Orthodontic treatment must begin before the child turns 18 years of age.

Provides grants to help families participate and travel to an in-person childhood arthritis camp hosted by Arthritis Society Canada.

Note: Typical applications are available to submit after a camper is accepted to attend camp.

Families living with ALS can apply for one of six $1000 bursaries awarded per year to help their children or youth register for extracurricular activities such as:

• Camps
• Educational programs
• Sports
• Others