This increase affects Short-Term Disability (STD) plans where:

• the maximum benefit reflects the EI maximum weekly benefit ($638 for 2022)
• the EI maximum earnings amount ($60,300 for 2022) is used to work out the STD benefit amount.

System changes

We’ve updated our systems so that STD payments show the increase in the EI maximum insurable earnings limit. Below are the effective dates.

• If you don’t need to amend your contract, these updates will be effective January 1, 2022.

Note: You may not see changes until you get your February Notice of Payments. If that’s the case, your Notice will show backdated changes for January.

• If you prepare your own statement, include these changes in your systems and processes.

Contract adjustments

You won’t need to amend your contract if your plan’s maximum disability benefit reflects the EI maximum weekly benefit or earnings. We’ll adjust your STD benefits for claims where the total disability started on or after January 1, 2022.

If your plan’s specific maximum benefits amount is less than the EI weekly maximum of $638, let us know if you’d like to amend your plan. We can adjust your STD payments to reflect the new EI maximum weekly benefit amounts.

If you use a lower benefit amount, your plan won’t qualify for the EI premium reduction program.

Questions? We’re here to help.

If you have fewer than 50 employees, please contact your Client Service Administrator at 1-877-786-7227.

If you have more than 50 employees, please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.