Self employed persons can access E.I. now

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

Beginning in January 2011, self-employed Canadians (e.g. farmers) 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.
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.
Since January 31, 2010, self-employed persons are able to enter into an agreement with the Commission through Service Canada.
To enter into an agreement with the Commission, you will have to register online using My Service Canada Account anywhere you can access the Internet, including at a Service Canada Centre near you.
By entering into this agreement, you will confirm your interest in participating in this measure and in paying EI premiums on your self-employment income.
Please note that if you have previously used My Service Canada Account, you can register using your existing user code and password.
If you have not previously used My Service Canada Account, you can apply at any time for a personal access code on the My Service Canada Account Web page at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/online/mysca.shtml. Once you apply, it will take about 10 days to receive your personal access code in the mail.
Since January 31, 2010, self-employed persons were able to enter into an agreement with the Commission through Service Canada. You will have to wait 12 months from the date of your agreement before you will be able to make a claim for EI special benefits.
For more information, visit Service Canada’s website at http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/self_employed_workers.shtml

Dates to Remember
July 28 – Soil & Crop Tour, beginning 12:00 at the Emo Research Station
July 28 – Emo Research Station Open House, 7:00 pm