Canada. Employment Insurance
Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment
able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible
Basic benefit rate is 55% of average insured earnings up to a maximum insurable amount of $42,300 in 2009
maximum weekly benefit $447
claimants may earn up to 25% of regular benefits or $50 per week (whichever is higher) without a reduction in EI payment
duration of benefits based on insured weeks of work and regional unemployment rate
My EI Information Online -- computer access to claim information
Family Supplement -- for low income families who receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit (see separate entry)
amount based on annual net family income up to $25,921
entitlement will be added to EI payment
Reachback -- employment assessment and counselling for persons returning to work
includes persons with active EI claims, with a claim that has ended within the last 3 years, or with a maternity/paternity claim that has ended in the past 5 years
Special benefits -- 15 weeks sickness benefits
6 weeks compassionate care benefits
15 weeks maternity benefits
35 weeks parental benefits available to natural, legal or adoptive parents -- benefits can be shared by both parents
claimants may be able to receive combination of special benefits up to 71 weeks total
Any claimant or former employer of a claimant who disagrees with a claim decision may appeal to a Board of Referees
Job Bank www.jobbank.gc.ca -- online employment information and job postings
employers wishing to list employment opportunities call 1-866-789-1297, fax 1-866-664-2534
Program of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada
Eligibility
Claimants who quit a job without just cause or are fired for misconduct are ineligible for regular benefits * just cause includes discrimination, sexual harassment, working conditions that constitute a danger to health and safety, significant modification of terms and conditions respecting wages or salary, leaving to care for child or immediate family member, major changes in work duties