3. Figure out how much you can get
Question & Answer
I lost my job for reasons beyond my control. Can I get EI?You can usually get EI regular benefits for between 14 and 45 weeks. This depends on the unemployment rate in your region and on the number of hours of in your .
In some areas, including Sudbury and Northern Ontario, the maximum can be up to 70 weeks.
If eligible, most people can get EI benefits of 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings. As of January 1, 2020, the highest amount you can receive is $573 per week.
EI rules have changed because of COVID-19. As of September 27, 2020, everyone will get at least $500 a week. This means that you’ll get either 55% of your normal weekly earnings or $500 a week, whichever is the highest.
This new minimum amount is expected to last for one year.
The amount you get from EI each week is always the same, unless you are not available to work for a certain number of days or you earn money that week. If this happens, some money will be deducted from your weekly EI.
All types of EI benefits are taxable. Federal and provincial taxes or territorial taxes, where applicable, are deducted from your payment.
Family supplement
The family supplement gives additional benefits to low-income families with children. You can get this supplement if:
- your family income after tax is deducted is not more than $25,921 per year, and
- you or your spouse you live with or common-law partner you live with gets the Canada Child Tax Benefit.
The family supplement rate is based on:
- your net family income up to a maximum of $25,921 per year, and
- the number of children in the family and how old they are.
The family supplement can increase your benefit rate to up to 80% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $573 per week. If you and your spouse or common-law partner claim EI benefits at the same time, only one of you can get the family supplement. It is usually better if the spouse or common-law partner that earns less is the one to get the supplement.
As your income increases, the family supplement gradually pays less. When you reach the maximum income of $25,921, you will no longer get the supplement.
Earnings exemptions
You are allowed to keep some of the money you earn if you work while you are collecting regular benefits, parental benefits, maternity benefits, sickness benefits, compassionate care benefits, or the family caregiver benefit for children. This is called an “earning exemption“.
