EQUIFLASH [EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED]

[CAEA e-drive]

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EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED
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Bill C-56, the "Fairness for the Self-Employed Act" went into effect February 1 and provides Equity members an opportunity to participate in the Government of Canada's Employment Insurance (EI) "special benefits" program.

Special benefits are defined as maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits. Please be advised that EI "regular benefits" (benefits payable when you are out of work) are only available to full-time workers. 

These new benefits are extended to self-employed people who choose to remit premiums of $1.73 per $100 of insurable earnings up to a maximum of $747.36 a year. This calculation is based on your previous year's earnings. There are a number of conditions attached to this program and Equity advises all members to consult with their accountant or other financial advisor to determine whether or not this program is for you.

Equity members looking for more information about the "EI Measure for Self-Employed People" are encouraged to visit the following links:

EI Measure for Self-Employed People:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/self_employed_workers.shtml

Service Canada answers frequently asked questions about Bill C-56:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/faq_self_employed_workers.shtml
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