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# Self-Employed? How to Qualify for TELUS Bill Payment Protection

Running your own business doesn't rule you out. Self-employed customers can qualify for TELUS Bill Payment Protection — the requirements are just different from those for employees. Here's what has to be true.

###### 🧾 Are You Eligible? Let's Break It Down

To be covered as a self-employed person, **all** of the following need to be true:

* **You live in Canada**
You're a Canadian resident and at least 18 years old when your coverage starts.

* **You've got an active TELUS service**
Your TELUS account needs to be current and in good standing at the time you lose your income.

* **You own and operate an incorporated business**
It must be legally incorporated and have been operating in Canada for at least 2 continuous years before your coverage start date.

* **You work full-time in that business**
At least 25 hours a week, earning taxable income under the Canada Income Tax Act.

* **Your coverage has been active for more than 90 days**
A loss of income that begins in the first 90 days after you enroll isn't covered. Heads up: for employees that window is 30 days — it's longer if you're self-employed.

* **You've been involuntarily unemployed for more than 30 consecutive days**
This is the waiting period before you can submit a claim.

* **You've paid special EI premiums to the CRA**
Where those premiums apply to you.

* **You're actively looking for work**
You're available to work full-time and able to show proof that you're looking if asked.

* **No recent Critical Illness payout**
You haven't received a Critical Illness benefit under this policy in the past 6 months.
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###### 📄 What You'll Need to Show

Self-employed claims need more paperwork than employee claims. Have these ready:

* Articles of incorporation and your current business licence
* Financial statements covering the past 3 years of operations
* Business tax returns filed with the CRA
* Personal and spousal tax returns for the past 3 years
* Bankruptcy court documents, if the business has filed

Written proof needs to reach the claims administrator within 90 days of the date of loss.
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###### 🚫 When You Can't Make a Claim

Not every situation is covered. You won't qualify if:

* You chose to close or stop operating the business
* You've retired
* You knew the loss of income was coming when you signed up
* Your business closed because of misconduct, negligence, or voluntarily giving up income
* You're on maternity, parental, or adoption leave
* You took family or caregiver leave
* You're part of a strike or lockout
* Your loss of income was due to disability (that's a separate benefit)
* You were discharged for cause by a hiring company or customer
* You're dealing with criminal charges or are incarcerated
* You lost income due to support payment issues
* Or anything else listed under "General Exclusions" in the policy
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###### 📘 The Fine Print

Eligibility is confirmed by the claims administrator based on the policy terms and the documents you provide. For the full wording, read the [sample policy certificate](https://www.datocms-assets.com/66146/1746139142-bpp-coi-042025.pdf).