(1) How do I apply EI

To find out if you can receive EI benefits, you must submit an application online. You can apply:

  • At home If you have access to the Internet at home, you can apply for EI benefits from there—24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • At  a Service Canada Centre You can apply online at any Service Canada Centre using one of the many Internet kiosks available. To find out when your local Service Canada Centre is open.
  • At a public Internet access site There are various locations in your community, such as public libraries, where you can access the Internet to apply for EI benefits.

(2) What is EI rate in 2010-2015?

Year 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
maximum insurable earnings $49,500 $48,600 $47,400 $45,900 $44,200 $43,200
basic exemption nil nil nil nil nil nil
employee rate 1.88% 1.88% 1.88% 1.83% 1.78% 1.73%
employee maximum $930.60 $913.68 $891.12 $839.97 $786.76 $747.36
employer rate 2.632% 2.632% 2.632% 2.562% 2.492% 2.422%
employer maximum $1,302.84 $1,279.15 $1,247.57 $1,175.96 $1,101.46 $1,046.30
self-employed rate 1.88% 1.88% 1.88% 1.83% 1.78% 1.73%

(3) What is ROE?
 

The ROE is the form—whether electronic or paper—that employers complete for employees receiving insurable earnings who stop working and experience an interruption of earnings. The ROE is the single most important document in the Employment Insurance (EI) program. Each year, more than 1 million Canadian employers fill out more than 9 million ROE forms for their employees.

You must complete the ROE even if the employee does not intend to apply for EI benefits. On the ROE, you enter details about the employee’s work history with your organization, including insurable earnings and insurable hours.

There are two ROE formats available: you can transmit an ROE to us electronically, or you can complete a paper ROE form.

(4) How many hours or weeks of work do I need to qualify for Employment Insurance?

The number of hours or weeks you need to qualify for EI are based on where you live and the unemployment rate in your economic region at the time you file your claim.

To be eligible for regular benefits, you must:

  • Have worked the required number of hours in your area. You must have worked these hours within the last year. This number is usually 420-700 hours, but it depends on the unemployment rate in your area. If you are working for the first time, you might need to have 910 hours. Find how many work hours you require in your area.
  • Have paid into the EI program. Normally, your employer deducts an EI amount from your paycheque. This is how you pay into the EI program.
  • Be without pay for at least 1 week (7 days).

Normally, you are not eligible for EI regular benefits if you:

  • Quit without a good reason.
  • Are fired for a good reason.
  • Have not worked for a certain period of time.
  • Have not paid into the EI program (for example, consultants, contract workers and so on).

(5) Are self-employed people eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits?

Beginning in 2011, registered and qualified self-employed Canadians will be able to begin accessing Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits: maternity, parental, sickness, and compassionate care.

Self-employed Canadians can access Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits. There are four types of EI special benefits:

  • maternity benefits;
  • parental benefits;
  • sickness benefits; and
  • compassionate care benefits.

Currently, if you are a self-employed person in Quebec, you are already entitled to apply for maternity, paternity, and parental benefits through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. If you choose to participate in the EI program, you will be eligible to apply for EI sickness and compassionate care benefits.

 

 

 

 


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