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Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits

EI Benefits are meant to compensate workers who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. The benefits cover any worker who is engaged in insurable employment.

In Canada, most employment qualifies for EI benefits. To qualify, the worker must be subject to a written or implied contract of employment. In addition, they must receive earnings that are attributable to that employment.

Some positions are excluded from EI Benefits and are best assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Am I eligible for EI Benefits?

To be eligible for EI Benefits, a person will need to have accumulated between 420 and 700 insurable employment hours during the qualifying period. The qualifying period is the shorter of the 52-week period immediately before the start date of your claim, or the period from the start of a previous benefit period to the start of your new benefit period, where a person has applied for benefits earlier and the application was approved in the last 52 weeks.

A person is entitled to EI Benefits only if they meet the above requirements, in addition to having lost their job through no fault of their own, are willing, capable, and ready to work each day, and are actively looking for work (must document written records of employers contacted and the date that they were contacted). In addition, the person cannot be confined to a jail, penitentiary, or other similar institution.

EI benefits

What employment insurance benefits am I entitled to?

A person who is entitled to EI benefits receives 55% of their weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2018, the maximum yearly insurable earnings is $51,700, for a weekly amount of $547.

For claimants that have received more than 20 weeks of benefits during the past five years, they will have their benefit rate gradually reduced under the “intensity rule.”

An individual may be entitled to special benefits if they are unable to work. Special benefits include maternity benefits, parental benefits, sickness benefits, compassionate care benefits, family caregiver benefits for children, and family caregiver benefits for adults.

If you are self-employed and contribute to the plan, you may also be eligible for EI Benefits. For example, a self-employed person who falls ill may be eligible for sickness benefits if they meet all the requirements.

How can Zeilikman Law help?

If you need help determining if you qualify for EI Benefits, the application process, or have questions or concerns, let Zeilikman Law help you today. Contact us to set up a consultation!

At Zeilikman Law, we approach these issues with logical and creative solutions. Our lawyers are youthful, professional, friendly, and determined. We have the know-how to navigate through the psychology of any given dispute. Request a consultation to get started! Request a consultation to get started!

Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.