Page 33 - A Canuck's Guide to Financial Literacy 2020

33

▪ Social Insurance Number
▪ Government Issued ID or Passport
▪ Direct Deposit Information or Void Cheque
▪ Your Employment Information

▪ Dismissal of employment letter if applicable
▪ Record of Employment for the last 52 weeks

The application can be submitted via

▪ Online at www.canada.ca/ei

▪ At a Service Canada office.

Receiving Benefits

After you’ve applied and your application has been accepted, your first payment should be
received within 28 days with a 1 week waiting period in between. Bi-weekly reports mut be
completed in order to continue receiving payments. The bi-weekly reports confirm your
continuous eligibility.

If you are employed and earn income during the time you’re receiving benefits, you can
keep 50 cents of your EI benefits, up to 90% of the weekly insurable earnings.

Example

Steve was laid off when his bank branch closed down due to low traffic. His weekly earnings
were $550. It was determined that his weekly employment insurance benefit was $302.50.
(55% x 550) Steve has found a part time job as a teller where he works 2 days a week
earning $250 per week.

Due to his part time employment, Steve’s EI benefits are lowered by 50 cents for every
dollar earned or $125. ($250/2 = $125). This part time employment would reduce Steve’s EI
benefit to $177.5 ($302.50 – $125) = $177.50.

Steve’s total take home pay is $177.50 from his EI benefits plus $250 per week = $427.50

Receiving Benefits Outside of Canada

If you’re receiving EI benefits and are planning a vacation outside of Canada, you’re
permitted to continue to receive the benefits as long as you declare your time away in the
by-weekly reporting and can prove that you’re available to return to Canada within 48 hours
if a job opportunity arises. ESDC works together with Canada Border Services Agency to
enforce Employment Insurance.

You are allowed to be outside of Canada for a week if you’re:

▪ Attending a funeral of a family member