Homewood Health (24/7 Support)
Homewood Health’s comprehensive Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers short-term Counseling, Life Smart Coaching and online resources designed to give eligible participants and eligible family members professional and confidential help with a wide range of work and family issues including: Relationship Concerns, Depression & Anxiety, Stress Management, Grief and Bereavement, Work and Family Balance, Life Transitions/Change, Addictions, and other Personal Issues.
Counselling for any challenge is available in person, by phone, by video, or online. Accessing the EFAP is easy … just call the 24-hour toll-free access number 1.844.PBC-EFAP (1-844-722-3327). Your EFAP service provider can be reached anytime day or night, 365 days of the year – whenever it is most convenient to you.
Homeweb: The online “self-serve” section of their website provides a range of online resources such as interactive e-courses, i-Volve online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) and health, life balance, and workplace articles.
Life Smart Coaching: Their coaching empowers you with the information and support you need to be the best parent possible. When you call their Client Services Centre, here’s what you can expect:
- They ask a few questions to make sure you receive the customized service that will be most helpful.
- They arrange for one of their childcare specialists to call you and walk you through the types of support you could benefit from—written materials, Internet resources, printed materials, and more.
- They’ll be in touch with you as much as you need when you’re using the materials and help you build the confidence to solve almost any parenting challenge.
- If it’s determined that a counselor would be better suited to discuss your situation with you, Homewood Health will coordinate short-term counseling support for you or your family. All of this is included with your benefits at no cost to you.
Counselling Service (Pacific Blue Cross)
The DC38 H&W Plan through Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) covers counseling services for eligible members and their dependents. Each family is covered for services of up to 80% of $750 per year. This is in addition to the free short-term counseling services available through Homewood Health.
Medical Leave
In British Columbia, both the Employment Standards Act and the Human Rights Code protect workers who need time away from work due to mental-health-related medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other diagnosed illnesses. Under the ESA, employees are entitled to job-protected sick leave, including 5 paid and 3 unpaid days each year, and may take extended unpaid medical leave if a mental-health condition prevents them from working. The Human Rights Code goes further by recognizing mental health as a disability, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodation, such as modified duties, reduced hours, or extended leave, based on medical documentation, up to undue hardship.
Short Term Disability Benefits
This is a sickness and non-occupational injury benefit and provides for the payment per week for a maximum of 51 weeks (Combined with EI) for any one period during which you are totally disabled and prevented from performing work of any kind solely as a result of a non-occupational accident or illness.
You must be covered by the plan on the first day of disability and have had coverage with DC38 Health & Welfare Trust Fund for the 8 consecutive months immediately preceding the date of disability. There cannot be any breaks in coverage for the 8 months immediately preceding the date of disability in order to receive benefits.
Benefit Periods:
- BC Life (First 4 weeks): Commencement depends on the type of disability:
- Non-Occupational Accident: From the 1st day.
- Hospitalization: From the 1st day.
- Non-Occupational Sickness: From the 4th day up to the 32nd day.
- Employment Insurance (Next 26 weeks): EI Sick Benefits would cover this period if necessary.
- BC Life (Remaining 21 weeks): Remaining coverage if you are still disabled.
How to Apply:
Complete the forms below and submit them to the IUPAT DC38 Burnaby office. ** Do not send your forms to BC Life directly as it will increase processing time**
Medical Employment Insurance (Medical EI)
Medical EI is a federal program that provides up to 26 weeks of income support to workers who cannot work due to a medical condition; including mental-health-related illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or burnout. To qualify, a person must have reduced earnings, enough insurable hours, and a medical certificate confirming they’re unable to work. The benefit replaces 55% of usual earnings and gives individuals financial stability while they focus on treatment and recovery.
Suicide Crisis Line
988 is Canada’s national Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7, free, and confidential. Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, emotional distress, or a mental-health crisis can call or text 988 to connect with trained responders who provide immediate support, safety planning, and help accessing local resources.
BC 211
BC 211 is a free, confidential service that connects people across British Columbia with community, social, health, and government supports. By phone, text, live chat, or online search, individuals can quickly find resources related to housing, addiction, mental health, food security, and more.
Shelters & Foodbanks
Problem Gambling Help Line
Our team offers free education, support services, and treatment programs to anyone who needs it. Whether you need a listening ear or expert guidance, help is just a call away.
