What is Employment Insurance program in Canada?
Employment Insurance (EI) program provides temporary income support to unemployed workers while they look for employment or to upgrade their skills. A new and liberalized unemployment insurance plan, containing substantial changes in coverage, contributions, and benefits and providing a new illness and maternity feature, was established under Canada’s Unemployment Insurance Act of 1971.
How does the employment insurance fund work?
For most people, the basic rate for calculating EI benefits is 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of this year 2022, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $60,300.
EI cover all government workers and exclude all self-employed people and casual workers and it also cover for fisherman. The fishermen are covered by the insurance also. Employees of Provincial Governments (who may opt for coverage) and several other special categories of workers are still excluded.
People who are aged 70 years are not covered as mostly are on retirement pension.
Who qualifies for employment insurance (EI)?
Less emphasizes is placed on the length of employment. Within two weeks of employment one can claim EI. The claimant must be registered and capable, willing and available for work, but unable to obtain suitable employment, or unable to work because of illness or maternity.
He may be disqualified from receiving benefits for up to 3 weeks if his unemployment is due to voluntary withdrawal from his job, dismissal for misconduct, refusing a suitable employment offer, or failure to undergo directed training. He may be also disqualified for the entire period if his unemployment is due to a labor dispute, imprisonment, or change of residence whether temporarily or permanently outside of Canada.
How do I claim my employment fund?
During employment a lot of things might happen so if you have insurance, you can claim the insurance if you have the following criteria
- illness (sick)
- Maternity
- Unable to obtain suitable employment.
- Fisherman
Sickness and Maternity Benefits
Under the previous legislation, illness was only partially covered and a claimant could only draw benefits if he became ill while claiming compensation or during the 1 week waiting period. The former Act also disqualified pregnant women from unemployment benefits 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after confinement.
Maternity benefits are only available to the person who is away from work because they’re pregnant or have recently given birth. They can’t be shared between parents. Sickness benefits Apply if you are unable to work due to illness, injury or quarantine.
The person receiving maternity social security may also be entitled to parental benefits.
How to submit your report for EI
When you applied for benefits, Service Canada mailed you a benefit statement. This statement included a 4-digit access code. You need this code and your social insurance number (SIN) to submit your reports.
You can submit your report for EI by Internet or by telephone.
By Internet
The Internet Reporting Service is simple, fast, convenient and secure.
