Rumors have circulated about a guaranteed $650 weekly Employment Insurance (EI) payment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) in 2024. However, no official statement confirms a fixed $650 weekly benefit.
EI payments in Canada are typically calculated based on 55% of an applicant’s insurable earnings, with a cap of $668 per week as of January 2024. Here’s a fact-checked overview of the CRA EI program, including eligibility, how to apply, and important details.
Overview of the CRA Weekly Employment Insurance Program
Employment Insurance (EI) benefits support Canadians who lose employment through no fault of their own. The payment amount depends on the applicant’s work history, insurable earnings, and region, with a maximum payment of $668 per week, not $650 as rumored.
EI benefits are intended to cover basic living expenses during job transitions, medical leave, or family leave.
| Benefit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly EI Payment | Up to $668 (based on earnings) |
| Administered by | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
| Coverage | Canadians unemployed through no fault of their own |
| Application Requirement | Online or at a Service Canada center |
| Official Website | www.canada.ca |
Eligibility Criteria for EI Benefits in 2024
To qualify for EI Regular Benefits, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Loss of Job Without Fault: Only individuals who lost their jobs involuntarily (not terminated or quit) qualify for EI.
- Work Hours: Applicants must have worked between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks, depending on the region.
- Active Job Search: Eligible individuals must demonstrate they are actively looking for a new job.
- No Pay for at Least 7 Consecutive Days: Applicants must experience a break in earnings for a minimum of seven days within the last 52 weeks.
If the applicant is on paid leave or still receives income from their employer, they do not qualify for EI payments.
Payment Amount Calculation
The amount received from EI is based on 55% of the applicant’s average insurable earnings, capped at $668 per week as of January 2024.
This means that those who earned at least $63,200 annually before unemployment could qualify for the maximum weekly benefit. Since EI payments are taxable, taxes are deducted before beneficiaries receive their payment.
Example EI Payment Calculation
- Annual Salary: $63,200
- Weekly Benefit Calculation: 55% of average insurable weekly earnings
- Maximum Weekly Payment: $668 (capped)
Payments will vary for those with lower annual incomes, and EI benefits are adjusted based on each individual’s earnings and region.
How to Apply for EI Benefits
Eligible Canadians can apply online for EI benefits through the CRA. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit the Official CRA Website: Navigate to the Employment Insurance section of the Canada Revenue Agency website.
- Read the Program Information: Review all program details, eligibility requirements, and instructions on the page.
- Complete the Application Form: Enter your Social Insurance Number, date of birth, employment history, and financial details.
- Upload Required Documents: Submit supporting documents, including proof of previous employment and other eligibility-related information.
- Submit and Await Verification: After submitting, the CRA will review your application and inform you of approval status via email. Once verified, payments will begin as scheduled.
Applying online is faster, but applications are also accepted at Service Canada centers for those who prefer in-person assistance.
Fact Check of the $650 Weekly EI Payment
There is no fixed weekly payment of $650 under the CRA’s EI program. EI payments vary depending on prior earnings, work history, and other personal factors, with a maximum cap of $668 per week.
As of now, any information suggesting a guaranteed $650 weekly benefit is inaccurate.
For reliable information, always refer to official announcements from the Canada Revenue Agency or consult a Service Canada representative.
