The Alberta Teachers’ Association

The employment insurance system has been amended as of 2021 09 26. Many of the key changes will only apply to new claims for benefits made beginning 2021 09 26 and are still related to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. (2021 09 29)

I have heard that the hours needed to qualify for EI Regular Benefit and EI Special Benefits have been reduced. Is this correct?

Access to EI benefits is normally based on the number of insurable hours an individual has worked in the year prior to their application, or since their last claim. This is known as their qualifying period. However, the Government of Canada recognizes that the pandemic has prevented many Canadians from accumulating the number of insurable hours that is normally required. To help individuals qualify with a minimum of 120 hours of work, EI claimants need to have accumulated 420 hours of insurable employment during their qualifying period to eligible for EI benefits until Sept. 24, 2022.  (2021 09 29) 

Is there any change to the Minimum Benefit Rate?

As of September 24, 2021 new EI claimants will receive a minimum benefit rate of $300 per week (or $180 for extended parental benefits), if this is higher than what their benefits would otherwise be.

The EI benefit rate is typically based on a worker’s average weekly earnings before their EI claim. However, the COVID-19 pandemic may have had a negative impact on a worker’s weekly earnings either because they lost their job or saw their hours of work reduced. The minimum benefit rate of $300 will reduce the negative impact on EI benefit rates for these workers and align with the weekly benefit rate for the new Canada Recovery Benefit. (2021 09 29) 

I am an expectant mother who will not have 600 insurable hours of teaching. Can I still qualify for Federal benefits? 

If you are an expectant mother looking to take maternity/parental leave who does not have 600 hours of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary changes to the EI program will allow you qualify for EI maternity and parental benefits with a minimum 420 hours of work. (2021 09 29) 

I read that the one-week waiting period for (EI) maternity benefits. How will this impact my benefits?

Before you start receiving benefits, there is 1 week for which you won't be paid federal benefits. This is called the waiting period. It's like the deductible that you pay for other types of insurance. During this period, you employer will pay your full salary. If you apply for both Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits, you only need to serve the waiting period once. If you're sharing parental benefits for the same child, only 1 parent will serve the waiting period.  (2021 09 29)

What it the Canada Recovery Benefit?

The CRB closed to retroactive applications on December 23, 2021. You can no longer apply for this benefit . (2022 02 19)

What is the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)?

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed (but do not have paid sick leave) and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. (2022 02 15)

What is the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)?

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. This applies if their school, regular program or facility is not available (2022 02 15).

I am a substitute teacher, what happens if I am unable to work because I am sick or must self-isolate due to COVID-19? 

Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits can provide you with up to 15 weeks of financial assistance if you can't work for medical reasons. You could receive 55% of your earnings up to a maximum of $636 a week.

If your claim starts between September 26, 2021 and November 20, 2021, you’ll receive at least $300 per week before taxes, but you could receive more.

On October 21, 2021, the Government of Canada announced its intention to extend the CRSB and CRCB until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of benefits by 2 weeks each. This would extend the CRSB from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and CRCB from 42 to 44 weeks until May 7, 2022.  (2022 02 15)

If I am unable to work for other reasons related to COVID-19, for example because I am sick or because my child’s is sick, or their day care is not available and I cannot access any paid leave through my employer do I have to take my EI benefits before applying for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit or the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit?

You don’t need to take your EI benefits before you apply for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) or the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB). These benefits will continue to be available to eligible individuals until November 20, 2021. The CRSB is available for up to 4 weeks and CRCB is available for up to 42 weeks.

However, you cannot get EI and the Recovery Benefits or any other paid leave at the same time.

On October 21, 2021, the Government of Canada announced its intention to extend the CRSB and CRCB until May 7, 2022, and increase the maximum duration of benefits by 2 weeks each. This would extend the CRSB from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and CRCB from 42 to 44 weeks until May 7, 2022. (2022 02 15)

You must get a medical certificate to show that you’re unable to work for medical reasons. Medical reasons include illness, injury, quarantine or any medical condition that prevents you from working.   (2021 09 29)

How do I apply for one of the new Federal Support Programs?

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) administers these benefits, and teachers are able to apply at: Employment Insurance benefits - Canada.ca  (2021 09 29)