ALS Canada is pleased at the Government of Canada’s extension of the Compassionate Care Benefit (CCB) from 6 to 26 weeks. The change means more financial assistance to families caring for a loved one with a terminal disease, ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The increase will mean up to $13,624 for caregivers taking care of a loved one with ALS. The average cost of dealing with a diagnosis of ALS is $150,000 to $250,000 during the life span of two to five years.
ALS Canada has been working on this change to the CCB since 2013 and feels it is one that is needed right now.
“We thank the federal government for their commitment to the extension of the CCB. The increase of the CCB to 26 weeks from its original 6 weeks means our voices are being heard and we are making progress,” said Tammy Moore, CEO ALS Canada. “However, we will continue working with Members of Parliament and the Government of Canada to improve access to the CCB to ensure this benefit adequately supports caregivers of Canadians living with ALS. These changes are imperative given the significant financial strain that ALS causes for both patients and families and the hardships associated with an ALS diagnosis.”
