Can Self-Employed Workers Access EI?
One of the biggest challenges of being self-employed is what happens when you need extra support. Whether you are ill, expecting a new child, or need to care for a loved one, these kinds of situations can be detrimental to your business.
Individuals who work for a business are automatically enrolled in the Employment Insurance program, paying regular premiums to safeguard against sudden unemployment or the need for long-term leave as in the situations listed above. But that isn’t the case for self-employed Canadians.
Self-employed Canadians are entitled to many of these same programs, however, they must choose to register for Employment Insurance special benefits to help secure against unforeseen circumstances that can impact their ability to work.
Who Qualifies for EI
If you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and operate your own business, or if you work for a corporation but cannot access EI benefits because you control more than 40% of the corporation’s voting shares, you can register.
A successfully registered individual can make a claim if they have been registered for at least one year. In order to make a claim, you must have reduced the amount of time dedicated to your business by at least 40% and have earned a minimum specified amount of net self-employed earnings in the calendar year before their claim.
For example, to make a claim in 2024 you will need to have registered at least one year prior and earned a minimum of at least $8,492 in self-employed earnings in 2023.
What Is the Cost of EI?
As with any insurance program, you will need to pay premiums. In 2024, for every $100 you earn, you will need to contribute $1.66 in EI premiums up to a defined maximum—the same amount that employees pay. This means the most you will pay in EI premiums for 2024 is $1,049.12.
You can cancel within the first 60 days to avoid paying the premiums. After the 60-day period, you can still terminate your registration at any time, however, keep in mind this termination will be effective at the end of the calendar year, so you will have to pay EI premiums for the entire calendar year.
Once you have claimed EI benefits, your participation in the program lasts indefinitely. You will have to pay premiums for the entire duration of your self-employed career, regardless of any change in the nature of your self-employment.
What is Covered Under EI?
| Leave Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Maternity | For mothers who give birth. These benefits cover the period surrounding the child’s birth (up to 15 weeks). |
| Parental | For any parent (mother or father) to care for their newborn or newly adopted child or children. The benefits are available to biological, adoptive, or legally recognized parents. There are two options available for receiving parental benefits: standard or extended. |
| Sickness | For people who must be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death (up to 26 weeks). The 26 weeks of benefits can be shared between different family members who applied and are eligible to receive them. |
| Family Caregiver for Children | For family members who must be away from work to care for or support a critically ill or injured child. Family members can receive benefits or they can share benefits between them (up to 35 weeks). |
| Family Caregiver for Adults | For family members who must be away from work to care for or support a critically ill or injured adult. Family members can receive benefits or they can share benefits between them (up to 15 weeks). |
How to Register for EI
Visit the Service Canada Website to sign up for a My Service Canada Account. Once your account has been verified, usually 10 days, you will be able to log in and register for your EI benefits. You will be able to claim benefits after one year of premiums.
How to Claim EI
If you need to make a claim, the first thing you will need is documentation to support your need.
| EI Benefits | Documents needed |
|---|---|
| Sickness benefits | A medical certificate to prove illness. |
| Compassionate Care benefit | A medical certificate to prove illness. |
| Parental benefits | Expected birth date or official placement date in the case of birth or adoption. Select a whether you would like to receive standard or extended benefits. |
| Family caregiver benefits | A medical certificate is completed by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner stating that your care or support is required by your critically ill or injured family member. As well as an authorization to release medical information. |
Once you have your documentation, log into your My Service Canada Account to make a claim.
How EI Much Will you Receive?
If you are eligible for maternity, standard parental, sickness, compassionate care, or family caregiver benefits you can expect to receive 55% of your earnings from self-employment up to a maximum amount. In 2024, you can receive up to $668 per week. If you are still able to conduct business partially, there are special provisions for how much you will be paid out.
These funds may be significantly less than your regular earnings in the period, however, if you are unable to work they help safeguard your financial stability during these kinds of stressful times.
PEOs can help simplify life as a self-employed worker. Want to learn more? Contact us today!
