Nova Scotia

Coronavirus: Paid Sick Leave Program

Easy application

Tax filing required

Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave program is available from 20 December 2021 to 31 March 2022 for individuals who can’t work remotely and miss less than 50% of their scheduled work time in a 1-week period because of COVID-19.

This includes taking time off because you’re:

  • self-isolating because of an exposure, close contact, or COVID-19 symptoms and are waiting to get a rapid or PCR test
  • getting a rapid or PCR test
  • self-isolating while waiting to get PCR test results
  • getting a vaccine or booster dose (time missed due to a reaction or symptoms from a vaccine or booster is not covered)

The program covers eligible sick days taken between 20 December 2021 and 31 March 2022. The 4 sick days don’t need to be taken consecutively.

Under the program, employers pay the employee for the time they missed and then apply for reimbursement. Self-employed workers apply for the time they missed work. The payment is calculated based on the employee’s current rate of pay up to a maximum of $20 per hour or $160 day (the maximum total payment per employee is $640).

Employees who miss 50% or more of their scheduled work week should apply to the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit.

Employers can apply for reimbursement within 30 days of an employee’s sick days for the period of 20 December 2021 to 31 March 2022 if they:

  • are a for-profit business or not-for-profit organization
  • have a permanent physical location in Nova Scotia
  • are registered to do business in Nova Scotia
  • are in good standing with the Government of Nova Scotia (not in default of any financial obligations like loan repayments, taxes, fines, fees and administrative and court orders)
  • are claiming reimbursement for Nova Scotia-based employees
  • do not provide their employees with at least 4 paid sick leave days

Self-employed people can apply if they:

  • are a resident of Nova Scotia
  • are actively earning income from the business as their primary source of income
  • are registered to do business in Nova Scotia, if applicable
  • have declared business income on their most recent tax return
  • have lost income because they missed time at work
  • are in good standing with the Government of Nova Scotia (not in default of any financial obligations like loan repayments, taxes, fines, fees and administrative and court orders)
  • aren’t eligible for or receiving other income support (like Business Interruption Insurance, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit or any other income replacement or insurance programs)

Social Insurance Number

  • confirmation of SIN letter
  • plastic SIN card (non-expired)

Applications must be received within 30 days of the date the employee was paid, or the time was missed by the self-employed worker.

Businesses:

If you paid an employee for missed time because they were exposed to COVID-19, a close contact or had COVID-19 symptoms and were waiting to be tested (rapid test or PCR test), getting tested for COVID-19, waiting for test results, or getting a vaccine or booster, you can apply to the program for reimbursement.

You need to apply within 30 days of when the employee was paid.

Self-employed people:

If you are self-employed, you need to apply within 30 days of missing work because you were exposed, a close contact or had COVID-19 symptoms and were waiting for a rapid or PCR test, getting tested, waiting for PCR test results, or getting a vaccine or booster.

You’ll receive a T4A from the Canada Revenue Agency for the amount you receive.

Start your application now.

Last updated: January 11, 2022