NEW:  Special EI benefits now available to Self-Employed Canadians

Extended EI Benefits 

Certain benefits under the Employment Insurance program are now available to the self-employed, including those operating a small corporation.  Those benefits include maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care leaves of absence—collectively referred to as special benefits. 

Excluded

Not included however are what we traditionally have thought of as unemployment benefits, that is when we no longer have a job there is some income available to help replace income lost from being out of work.  In planer terms, self-employed persons still can't fire themselves and expect to receive EI payments.

Enrolment

Enrolment for these benefits began February 1st, 2010.  Those who enroll before April 1st, 2010 are eligible to claim benefits as early as January 1st, 2011.  Those enrolling later must wait 12 months from the date of enrolment before being eligible to file a claim.  You can enroll online or in person.

For more information visit: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/information/self_employed.shtml