New rules for employment insurance are rolling out. Here’s what changes
Global News
The employment insurance system is set for another round of COVID-19 pandemic-related changes that come into force on Sunday.
The employment insurance system is set for another round of pandemic-related changes that come into force on Sunday. Here are a few of the key changes that will apply to new claims for benefits made beginning Sept. 26.
EI applicants need to have worked a minimum number of hours to qualify for benefits. In the past, that number has been about 600 hours, although the number varied in different parts of the country based on local labour market conditions.
Many workers have had their hours cut during the pandemic, meaning they may not have worked enough hours to qualify.
Over the last year, all new EI applicants received a one-time hours top-up to help them qualify, but that disappears on Sunday. In its place will be a uniform requirement to have worked 420 hours.
The uniform hours requirement will be in place for one year, until Sept. 24, 2022.
The government is also requiring anew a medical certificate proving an applicant is sick and can’t work to receive EI sickness benefits. The requirement was waived temporarily over the last year because of COVID-19.
The weekly floor on benefits will decline to $300 from $500, in line with the value of payments under the Canada Recovery Benefit that is available for those who don’t qualify for EI.
The weekly floor is planned to apply to claims made between Sept. 26 and Nov. 20.