Unemployment leaves many Canadians in desperate situations where the money needed to keep up with their bills is suddenly lacking. Thankfully, the government has a number of programs available to financially support those who have lost their jobs and their wages. Employment Insurance is one of the main programs unemployed Canadians rely on after losing their jobs. Given that people need an income to pay their bills, the importance of understanding how to apply for EI and getting funds through EI is crucial for many.
Employment Insurance (EI) is a government program that provides individuals who have lost a job with temporary income support. Applicants must qualify for EI benefits in order to receive this temporary financial relief. Employees must have paid premiums over the past year and meet certain qualifying conditions to be eligible for EI benefits.
Not all unemployed Canadians can receive EI benefits. In order to qualify for EI you must meet certain requirements including the following:
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If you’ve been fired for misconduct, you will not be eligible for EI regular benefits, however, you may still be eligible for other benefits. For example, if you’ve been laid off before taking maternity leave, you will still be eligible for EI maternity leave benefits if you qualify for the benefit.
The exact amount you receive depends on your individual circumstances, but in general, the EI benefit is calculated by taking the applicant’s average weekly earnings and multiplying it by 55% (0.55). However, the maximum amount you can receive per week is $595. To receive the maximum, you’ll need a yearly income of $56,300
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The amount of time you can receive these benefits depends largely on the unemployment rate in your region and the number of insured hours you’ve worked. It can range from 14 weeks up to 45 weeks. For example, if you’ve worked 455 to 489 insured hours and your region has an unemployment rate of 13%, the maximum amount of weeks you’ll receive EI is 24.
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Understanding how to apply for EI can be a bit confusing, so we’ve compiled all the information you need to know. To receive your EI benefits, You will need to take certain steps, including the following:
Documents and information that may be required to apply for EI include:
In order to see if you’re eligible for EI, you’ll be required to complete and submit an online application. The application is quite detailed and takes about 1 hour to complete. You can start your application here.
Certain paperwork may have to be submitted, such as your Record of Employment form (ROE). This form is completed by employers for employees who have to stop working and are no longer being paid by the employer. The ROE is the most important document required when applying for EI and can be submitted electronically or via paper form.
You can visit My Service Canada Account (MSCA) to look over any ROEs that you have been issued in the past by previous and current employers. If you cannot work due to an illness or injury, you will need a medical note that confirms your medical situation.
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Wait For Your Access Code
After you have successfully applied for EI, you’ll receive a 4-digit access code and benefit statement by mail. The code and your SIN will be needed to receive updates about your application and to fill out regular bi-weekly reports.
Once you receive your benefit statement, make sure to review it in detail and understand where you are in terms of your application status.
It’s understandable that people who have been laid off will want to gain access to funds right away to make sure they do not fall behind on any bills. But there will still be a certain waiting period that applicants will have to go through before their application is accepted and payments start being made.
However, in general, those who applied and have been approved should receive their first EI payment within 28 days of submitting their application.
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Given the unique circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has introduced additional financial support for employees who otherwise would not qualify for EI benefits to make sure nobody falls through the cracks. The new measures would allow for the creation of an emergency benefit for employees who are off work as a result of being laid off or who are self-isolating.
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A number of rules apply when applying for EI benefits under normal circumstances. But given that this is a unique situation, certain requirements have been changed or been waived when applying for EI, namely:
Considering the social distancing that we are all being asked to practice, online EI applications may be made, especially for those who are in quarantine or who are ill. There is also an exception being made for those who are unable to complete their EI application as a result of COVID-19. In this case, applicants can apply at a later date and have their EI claim backdated to cover the delayed time frame.
Unemployment is certainly a trying time for most Canadians and people all over the world. Not only do we have to protect our health, but we must also do what is necessary to keep up with bill payments, which can be very difficult for those who have lost their jobs as a result of an accident, injury, or illness. Fortunately, our government takes steps to provide financial help to those who need it. While understanding how to apply for EI is a bit complicated, help is always available.
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Lisa has been working as a personal finance writer for more than a decade, creating unique content that helps to educate Canadian consumers in the realms of real estate, mortgages, investing and financial health. For years, she held her real estate license in Toronto, Ontario before giving it up to pursue writing within this realm and related niches. Lisa is very serious about smart money management and helping others do the same.
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