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.
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!
