For people with episodic disabilities, health and disability benefits are critically important:

• Health benefits, including coverage for prescription drugs and rehabilitation services, help individuals to stay well and active.
• Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness benefits and long term disability benefits are vital sources of income during periods of illness and disability.

Unfortunately, the definitions and policies that govern these benefits programs are often rigid and act as disincentives to people returning to work. For example, it is often difficult for people who are receiving benefits to work part-time or as their health allows.