3. Find out if you qualify for other EI benefits

If there is a complication with your pregnancy or an illness, injury, or quarantine that makes you medically unable to work, you might be entitled to EI sickness benefits.

You might be entitled to EI sickness benefits if:

• you are sick
• you were sick before your child was born
• you have a miscarriage or stillbirth

For example, if your doctor tells you to stop working before your maternity leave starts due to complications with your pregnancy, then you can apply for sickness benefits before getting maternity benefits. EI sickness benefits and maternity benefits might also be available if you have a miscarriage or stillbirth, or terminate your pregnancy in the first 19 weeks.

If your baby is sick and must stay in the hospital for a while and you meet the other qualifications, you might qualify for:

• compassionate care benefits
• the family caregiver benefit for children