E.I. Query

[Evoex]

Curious to know if anyone is well versed in E.I. eligibility?

As I recall you only qualify if you've paid into E.I. in the last x months/year? If you don't pay into E.I. (or any taxes) on any paychecks and submit what is due in tax at end of year assessment is that still counted as paying into E.I. and thus being eligible?

Thanks in advance!

 

[GreyGhost]

I though EI was hours based. It has been a long time since I was involved though. When you leave a job, you get an ROE that includes your hours and a code for the reason you left. Some codes make you ineligible (eg you quit). If you are getting no deductions at source are you an independent contractor? I suspect that changes the rules vs employees.

Employment Insurance Benefits and Independent Workers and Professionals - Canada.ca

If you are an independent worker (including a professional) who also works in insurable employment (usually under a contract of service, as an employee), you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

www.canada.ca

 

[sburns]

I think @GreyGhost is on the right track, I believe it's hours based (weeks etc). If you never used EI, you get full benefits. If you work for a year you get some benefits, something like that. I seem to recall it filling up to max after 2 years of work. Having said that I believe you have to also contribute in order to claim the benefit.

 

[mimico_polak]

There’s a specific number of hours that need to have been worked within the last 52 weeks…420-700 depending on the area.

EI Regular Benefits - Canada.ca

EI Regular Benefits

www.canada.ca

630hrs for my postal code. It goes under the Toronto umbrella so should be the same for everyone in the GTHA.

 

[Fuzzbuster]

You need to ask "the employment lawyer" Lior Samfiru!

 

[raginduck]

Have you paying into Ei when your did your taxes at YE?
Etc.. etc..
it's hard to answer your question(s) without knowing more about the specific situation.

 

[Evoex]

Independent contractor, no taxes taken off pay. Filed as such on last years taxes and paid up.

Work at least 450 billable hours per year.

Did use E.I. once back in 2022/2023

 

[klr_guy]

You need to ask "the employment lawyer" Lior Samfiru!

They were a great contact when my wife was fired from a 29 year job.

 

[backmarkerducati]

Did you pay the required EI premiums and for the required number of weeks/hours/...? When I say required, I mean you as an employee and your "employer" portion which could also maybe/possibly be you. If not, well....

At the same time it pays so little most people would be ####ed if we had to live on it.

 

[mimico_polak]

Independent contractor, no taxes taken off pay. Filed as such on last years taxes and paid up.

Work at least 450 billable hours per year.

Did use E.I. once back in 2022/2023

If you or your employer didn’t pay into EI…then you don’t get EI.

My wife is self employed and couldn’t get it for her maternity ‘leave’.

Because she didn’t pay in, I couldn’t take a parental leave for work beyond the first year after baby’s birth. Had to be within the 1st year.

 

[Sunday Rider]

If you are self employed you don’t pay EI you just pay both employer and employee portions of CPP and your income tax when you file your return.
So you can’t claim EI.

 

[GreyGhost]

If you are self employed you don’t pay EI you just pay both employer and employee portions of CPP and your income tax when you file your return.
So you can’t claim EI.

I think that's normally true but I also think there's a way you can pay in and collect. I think it has to be a conscious decision thought of ahead of time and pre-paid. As with most government programs, most people would probably be better off keeping the premiums and self-insuring.

 

[Sunday Rider]

I think that's normally true but I also think there's a way you can pay in and collect. I think it has to be a conscious decision thought of ahead of time and pre-paid. As with most government programs, most people would probably be better off keeping the premiums and self-insuring.

Ah, I never knew there was an option to do it. Has this always been around? Thanks

 

[GreyGhost]

Ah, I never knew there was an option to do it. Has this always been around? Thanks

I have no idea when it became available. I try to avoid as many government programs as possible as I find their ROI is appalling.

Employment Insurance Benefits and Independent Workers and Professionals - Canada.ca

If you are an independent worker (including a professional) who also works in insurable employment (usually under a contract of service, as an employee), you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

www.canada.ca

"As an independent worker engaged in a business, you may be able to register for access to EI special benefits for self-employed people."

 

[raginduck]

Independent contractor, no taxes taken off pay. Filed as such on last years taxes and paid up.

Work at least 450 billable hours per year.

Did use E.I. once back in 2022/2023

It doesn't sound like you paid into EI for the contractor work.. but that doesn't necessarily mean you won't qualify for something..
If you didn't work any insurable hours in the past year.. they can go further back and consider the previous 2 years..
I'm not sure how working contract work in that time will effect that.. if it does.
I'd suggest, that if you're in that position.. that you talk to them and/or apply and see what they say.

 

[raginduck]

Independent contractor, no taxes taken off pay. Filed as such on last years taxes and paid up.

Work at least 450 billable hours per year.

Did use E.I. once back in 2022/2023

Independent vs dependant contractor might be worth looking into. There is a difference.
dependant contractor can be entitled to notice and/or severance.

 

[mimico_polak]

If you are self employed you don’t pay EI you just pay both employer and employee portions of CPP and your income tax when you file your return.
So you can’t claim EI.

You can pay EI as self employed. But you have to make that decision and file accordingly.

Wasn’t worth it for my wife, but it limited my ability to take longer parental leave as it ONLY worked within the first year.

It totally ruined my plan of going riding for a few days / week when baby came. My parental leave ended on the day before my daughters first bday.

I could take the time off…but no EI or top up from work (all the way up to 93%! for 3 months).