General Information

Your employer will report a leave of absence to us when you are on an approved leave from work for more than two weeks.

How your HEB Manitoba benefits are affected by a leave of absence can depend on a variety of factors, including the type and duration of the leave and whether the leave is paid or unpaid. 

The information here is general in nature. Some employers or union groups have specific agreements that may apply to you. If you have questions related to your personal circumstances, please contact your employer.

How Leave of Absence Can Affect Your HEB Manitoba Benefits

For the Disability and Rehabilitation, Healthcare, Dental, and Life Insurance Plans, coverage is tied to payment of premiums. Coverage stops when no premiums are paid.

Paid Leaves of Absence

When you are on a paid leave, your coverage is maintained because your employer continues to remit premiums and  Pension Plan contributions on your behalf through payroll until the end of your paid leave or until the maximum duration is reached, whichever is sooner.

Approved Unpaid Leaves of Absence 

When you are on an unpaid leave of absence, premiums and contributions are no longer remitted on your behalf each pay, and your coverage stops. Some exceptions apply for unpaid sick leave.

If you wish to keep your coverage under the D&R, Healthcare, Dental and Life Insurance Plan during your unpaid leave you may do so by paying both the employee and employer portion of premiums for the entire duration of your unpaid leave, including any extensions; You cannot keep coverage for only part of your leave.