Employment Insurance Benefits for Self-Employed People

Beginning in January 2011, self-employed Canadians will be able to access Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits. There are four types of EI special benefits:

~ maternity benefits;
~ parental benefits;
~ sickness benefits; and
~ compassionate care benefits.

Eligibility information
You may be eligible to access EI special benefits beginning in January 2011 if you:

~ are a self-employed person; and
~ are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada; and
~ have entered into an agreement with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission through Service Canada.

Dates and deadlines
Self-employed persons will be able to enter into an agreement beginning January 31, 2010.

If you enter into an agreement between January 31, 2010 and April 1, 2010, you will be able to make a claim for EI special benefits as early as January 2011. However, if you enter into an agreement with the Canada Employment Insurance Commission after April 1, 2010, you will have to wait 12 months before you will be able to make a claim for EI special benefits.

Follow this link for Q & A on EI for Self Employed People

Mark
www.MajecAccounting.com