EMPLOYMENTTOOLKIT
SECTION 6: EMPLOYMENT PORTABILITY AND BENEFITS
Table of Contents
1 EmploymentPortability 31.1 FacingtheChallengesofEmploymentPortability 3
1.2 FindingOpportunitiesforEmploymentPortability 4
1.3 ExamplesofPortableCareers 5
1.3.1 Consulting 5
1.3.2 Business/Sales 5
1.3.3 Education 5
1.3.4 Technology 6
1.3.5 Communications/Marketing/Arts 6
1.3.6 HealthandWell-Being 6
1.3.7 Not-for-Profit 6
1.4 PersonalStories:MilitarySpouseCareerTransitions 7
1.4.1 ThinkingOutsidetheBox 7
1.4.2 MakingtheLeaptoSelf-Employment 7
1.4.3 PursuingaHome-BasedBusiness 8
1.4.4 MakingtheCaseforTelecommuting 8
1.4.5 LearningfromTeaching 9
2 EmploymentInsuranceBenefitsonMilitaryPosting—WithinCanada 102.1 EmploymentInsuranceRegularBenefits 10
2.1.1 Eligibility 10
2.1.2 ApplicationProcess 11
2.1.3 Approval 11
2.2 EmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParentalBenefits—Canada(ExcludingQuebec) 12
2.2.1 Eligibility 12
2.2.2 ApplicationProcess 13
2.2.3 Approval 13
2.3 EmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParentalBenefits—Quebec 14
2.3.1 Eligibility 14
2.3.2 ApplicationProcess 14
2.3.3 Approval 15
2.4 EmploymentInsuranceSicknessBenefits 15
2.4.1 Eligibility 15
2.4.2 ApplicationProcess 16
2.4.3 Approval 16
2.5 EmploymentInsuranceCompassionateCareBenefits 16
2.5.1 Eligibility 16
2.5.2 ApplicationProcess 16
2.5.3 Approval 17
3 EmploymentInsuranceBenefitsonMilitaryPosting—U.S. 183.1 EmploymentInsuranceRegularBenefits 18
3.2 EmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParentalBenefits,SicknessBenefitsand
CompassionateCareBenefits 19
4 EmploymentInsuranceBenefitsonMilitaryPosting—OutsideCanadaandtheU.S. 204.1 EmploymentInsuranceRegularBenefits 20
4.2 EmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParentalBenefits,SicknessBenefitsand
CompassionateCareBenefits 21
Tools
• EmploymentInsurance(EI)InformationandDocumentationChecklist:RegularBenefits 25
• EmploymentInsurance(EI)InformationandDocumentationChecklist:
MaternityandParentalBenefits—Canada(ExcludingQuebec) 27
• EmploymentInsurance(EI)InformationandDocumentationChecklist:
MaternityandParentalBenefits—Quebec 29
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1 EMPLOYMENT PORTABILITY
For many military spouses, the announcement “We’re posted!” comes with the knowledge that, once again, there will be an impact on their career. While Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families expect frequent relocations, it can still be frustrating for a spouse who must repeatedly resign from a job because of an imminent move to another city or country. Lost seniority, lost income and effects on career progression are all issues that may come into play because of frequent relocations.
One way for military spouses to adapt is by considering portable careers. Employment portability can entail working from a home-based office in a telecommuting arrangement, running a home-based business or pursuing specific types of careers that are easier for spouses to take with them from location to location. A wide range of professions are open to the possibility of portability.
Thischaptercovers:
• FacingtheChallengesofEmploymentPortability
• FindingOpportunitiesforEmploymentPortability
• ExamplesofPortableCareers
• PersonalStories:MilitarySpouseCareerTransitions
1.1 Facing the Challenges of Employment Portability
Whilethebenefitsofaportablecareerareobvious,itisnotalwayspossiblenorthebestoptionforeveryone.ThereareanumberofrealitiesaboutemploymentportabilitythatEmploymentCoordinatorscanencouragetheirclientstoconsider.
Somecareersarejustnotveryportable:Forexample,professionsthatarelargelylocation-dependent,suchasmarinebiology,arelesslikelytobeeasilyportable.Theseprofessionalsmayhavetorelyonotherrelatedcareerpathsduringperiodsthattheyarelocatedawayfromaviablecareerlocation.
Transferringcredentialsfromonejurisdictiontoanotherisnotalwayseasy:Manyappliedprofessions,suchasteaching,medicine,pharmacy,nursingandsocialworkareveryportable.However,sincelicensingformostappliedprofessionsisprovinciallyorterritoriallylegislated,transferringcredentialscanbealengthyandonerouschallenge.
A wide range of professions are open to the possibility of
portability.
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Advancementopportunitiesmaybelimitedfortelecommuters:Althoughnotalwaysthecase,thoseinpositionsthatinvolvetelecommuting(remoteworkorteleworkthatallowsemployeestoworkforacompanyfromtheirhome)oftenhavedifficultyadvancingbeyondthedutiesandresponsibilitiesoftheirexistingjob.
Flexibilitysometimesmeansunpredictability:Oneoftheattractiveelementsofsomeportablecareers,suchassales,isflexibility;however,oneofthemajordrawbackscanbetheunpredictabilityofincome.
Employmentisneverasurething:Successfullytransferringalicensefromoneprovinceorterritorytoanotherdoesnotnecessarilyensureemployment.Particularlyforthoseintheteachingandnursingprofessions,obtainingmorethansubstituteorcasualemploymentwithinthesefieldscantakeyearsandhaveasignificantimpactonseniorityandtenure.
Militaryspousesmayfacebiasestohiring,evenwithaportablecareer:Employersmaybehesitanttohireamilitaryspouse,eveniftheircareerishighlyportable.Employersmightmakeassumptionsaboutshort-termemploymentthatmayormaynotbevalid,ormaysimplybemisinformedaboutwhatwouldbeinvolved.Suchbiasescanbeachallengeformilitaryspouses,butbyhighlightingtheirabilitytomulti-taskandtoadaptquickly,andbydemonstratingtheirversatilityandresilience,militaryspousescanturnapotentialnegativetoapositiveandovercomesuchbarrierstoemployment.
1.2 Finding Opportunities for Employment Portability
Whilesomecareersareinherentlyportable,othersarenot.Butwithsomecreativity,previouslyunconsideredcareerportabilityopportunitiescanopenup.
Self-improvementcanimprovetheodds:Whetherornotaclienthasaportablecareerorisabletofindemploymentafterarelocation,opportunitiesforself-improvementabound.Bytryingsomethingdifferent,suchastakingacourseorvolunteering,clientscanenhancetheirskills,learnsomethingnewandimprovetheirchancesofbeingconsideredrelevanttothejobmarket.Gettinginvolvedalsoopensupnetworkingopportunitiesthatcouldultimatelyleadtoportableemployment.
Thesamebutdifferentisapossibility:Awillingnesstoworkinafieldrelatedtobutoutsideofone’schosenprofessionmayincreasethepotentialforasmoothcareerrelocation,sincemanyskillsandaptitudesaretransferrable.Forexample,teachersmaychoosetolookatworkinginaprivateschoolsettingormovingtotutoring,resourcewritingoreducationalconsulting.Nursesmaywanttoconsiderteachingincommunitycollegesettings,movingtohealthcareadministration/policy,workinginprivatefacilitiesorprovidingin-homecare.
Companyjobscanwork:Forthosewithcareersintheserviceorsalesindustries,workingforacompanywithoutletsacrossthecountryoreveninternationallocationsmaybethekeytosuccessfuljobportability.Dependingwhereafamilyrelocatesto,aspousemaybeabletostaywiththesamecompanythroughouttheircareer,justatdifferentlocations,makingpromotionandadvancementmucheasierandmorelikely.
Clientbasesarekey:Forthosewithhome-basedsales-orservice-relatedcareers,clientbasesarekeytosuccess.Maintainingcommunicationswithcurrentclients(viaemail,Skype,newslettersorevenpersonalvisitsiffeasible)isimportant,asisplanningandconnectingwithpotentialclientsintheirnewcommunity.Clientscancompilereferenceletterspriortorelocating;theycanalsotrytoleverageanycontactstheymayhaveinthenewcommunity.TheCAFcommunityissmallandwordofmouthisoneofthemostreliableandinexpensivewaystogettheirbusinessorserviceknowninanewcommunity.
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Technologycanhelp:Usingsocialmediatoconnecttoonlinecommunitiesandbuildingaprofessionalwebpresencearegoodwaysofreachingout,evenpriortorelocating.Buildingapositiveonlinereputationcantaketimeandeffort,butcanleadtocareerportabilitysuccessinwaysaclientdidn’tevenforesee.
1.3 Examples of Portable Careers
Thereisawidevarietyofportablecareerpossibilities.OutlinedbelowarejustafewportablecareerexamplesthatEmploymentCoordinatorsmaywanttosharetohelpgetclientsthinkingabouttheiroptions.
1.3.1 ConsultingConsultant:Manymilitaryspousesarewelleducatedwithsignificantprofessionalexperienceinamultitudeofareas.Perhapstheultimateinportablecareers,consultingallowsforflexibilityandprofessionalgrowthwithouthavingtobetiedtoonespecificgeographiclocation.Forthosewithin-demandskillsandexperience,consultingcanbealucrativefull-orpart-timecareer.
1.3.2 Business/SalesVirtualAssistants:Increasingly,businessesarelookingtooutsourcekeyservices,andinsteadofhiringfull-timeassistants,manyarelookingforvirtualones.Virtualassistantsperformofficesupportduties—suchaswordprocessing,dataentry,bookkeepingandresearch—fromtheirhomes.
DirectSales:Directsalesinvolvessellingproductsdirectlytoconsumerswithoutatraditionalstorefrontandcanincludesellingproductsrangingfromcosmeticstocandles,toolstotoys,vitaminstovideosandeverythingelseimaginable.Directsalesisagoodoptionforthosewholiketointeractwithpeople,haveapassionforaspecificareaofinterestandareseekingahome-basedcareeroption.
1.3.3 EducationTutoring:Tutoringmaybeawiseandprofitableportableoptionforthosewithteachingexperience.Inordertohaveasuccessfultutoringbusiness,thoseinterestedwillneedtohavecredentials,anin-depthfamiliaritywithteachingmethodsandbestpractices,andathoroughunderstandingofthecurriculuminplace.Forthosewhoprefernottoworkfromtheirhome,therearemanyoutsidetutoringfranchisesthathireaccreditedtutorsaswellascommunity-basedopportunitiesfortutorstoworkwithnewCanadianslearningEnglishorFrench.
OnlineTeaching:Manyeducationalinstitutionsnowofferonlinecoursesandareinsearchofqualifiedteachersandinstructorstoworkoutsideofthetraditionalclassroom.Distancelearningisagrowingfieldand,givencurrenttechnology,isopeningupaworldofpossibilitiesforcareerportability.
In-HomeChildcareProvider:Forthosewithapassionforchildrenandanappropriatelivingenvironment,acareerasanin-homechildcareprovidermaybeagoodoptionfromaportabilityperspective.Formaltraininglikeearlychildhoodeducationfromacollegeisideal,alongwithCPRandfirstaid.Eachprovinceandterritoryhasdifferentrequirementsforin-homechildcare.Thosewishingtoenterintoin-homechildcareshouldconsulttheirprovincial/territorialofficesforimportanthealthandsafetyguidelines.
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1.3.4 TechnologyComputerRepair:Forclientswithestablishedcomputerrepairandtroubleshootingexperienceorthoseconsideringacareerinthisfield,thepossibilitiesareendlessandportable.Trainingisrequiredandavailablethroughmostcommunitycolleges,onlineorthroughmunicipalleisuredepartments.Opportunitiesexistincompaniesthatsellandservicecomputersorasanindependentmobiletechnician.
1.3.5 Communications/Marketing/ArtsWriter/Editor/Translator:Communicationsskillsareeasilyportableandinhighdemand.Manycompanieshavein-housecommunicationsshopsandwillhirefull-orpart-timeemployees.Otherslookforreliablecontractorsthattheycanhireonaper-projectbasis,makingwriting,editingandtranslatingsomeofthemoreflexiblecareerchoices.
GraphicDesigner:Manycompaniesrequiretheservicesofagraphicdesignerbutcan’temployonefull-time.Withexistingtechnologies,graphicdesigncanbedoneremotelyandeasilyprovidestheservicesandproductsanycompanywouldneedonaproject-to-projectbasis.
1.3.6 Health and Well-BeingPersonalFitnessTrainer:Workingasapersonalfitnesstrainercanbebotharewardingandprofitablecareeroptionforspouseswholikeworkingwithpeopleandhaveapassionforhealthandfitness.Clientsinterestedinthisever-growingfieldshouldresearchthefitnessindustry,andeducation/certificationrequirementsforfitnessprofessionals.
YogaInstructor:Aswithpersonalfitnesstrainers,yogainstructorsdonotrequireastudiospaceoftheirowninwhichtodeliverservices.Instead,yogainstructorsmayworkone-on-onewithclientsintheirhomesorworkasgroupyogainstructorsinlocalstudios.
PetCare:Peoplearoundtheworldlovetheirpets,makingthepetindustryaperfectportablecareerforanimallovers.Optionsinthisgrowingmulti-billiondollarfieldincludedogwalkingandgroomingservices.
1.3.7 Not-for-ProfitVariousCareers:Theworldofnon-profitsisvastandvaried,andoftenoverlookedbythoseconsideringcareerportability.Inadditiontovolunteeropportunities,manynot-for-profitorganizationshavepaidfull-orpart-timepositionsavailable.Whateverskillsorexperienceaclientbringstothetable,theymaywanttoconsiderworkopportunitiesinthisfield.
“Moving every two to three years has required me to be resilient but also
creative in terms of employment.”
Military spouse testimonial
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1.4 Personal Stories: Military Spouse Career Transitions
Notwopeople’sexperiencesarealike,andthisdiversityofexperiencescanserveasasourceoflearningforothers.EmploymentCoordinatorscanusethefollowingpersonalstoriesofmilitaryspousecareertransitionstoinspiretheirworkwithclients,orsharethemwithclientstomotivateandencouragethem.
1.4.1 Thinking Outside the Box“ImetmyhusbandwhenIgraduatedfromhighschool.Fromthestart,Iknewthattomakeitwork,Iwasgoingtohavetofocusonmystudiesandmyownprofessionallife.Welivedlongdistanceformanyyears,sowhenwemovedintogether,IknewthepersonIwasandwhatIwantedtodoinlife.
Movingcanbeseenaspositiveornegative.Ichoosetoseeitasanexcitingopportunitytotrysomethingdifferent.Tocontinuetoberelevanttothejobmarket,Icontinuouslytookcourses,andstretchedmyselfbyapplyingtojobsthatdidn’texactlyfitmycurrentskills.Andwhentherewerenojobstoapplyto,IstartedmyownconsultantbusinessandalthoughIhaveworkedinmultiplefields,Ihavealwaysseenmycareerandskillsgrowfrompositiontopositionregardlessofwherewehavelived.Youjusthavetothinkoutsidethebox.”
1.4.2 Making the Leap to Self-Employment“Employmentandcareercontinuityareverydifficulttomaintainasmilitaryspouses/partners.Oftenwemovetolocationswithlimitedemploymentopportunitiesandreluctancetohiremilitaryfamilymembers.Movingfromprovincetoprovincehasitsownsetofchallengesasmanycredentialsarenotsoeasilytransferable.Manyemployersseethefrequentjobsandmovesasanegative.Thishasatremendousimpactonmilitaryfamiliesasthefamilyincomepotentialcanbesignificantlyreduced.
Asthespouseofanon-commissionedmemberforthepast12years,Ihaveexperiencedmanychallengesandopportunitiesthatcomewithlivingthemilitarylifestyle.ThebiggestlifelessonandareaofpersonalgrowthIhavelearnedwashowtomanageandadjusttochange.Employmentandcareercontinuityareareasthathavebeenimpactedbymilitarylife.
WhenIcompletedmyeducation,Ifoundemploymentwithingovernment.Asanemployee,Ihadagreatsalarywithgoodbenefitsandapensionplan.Iwasonmywaytojobsecurityandclimbingthecorporateladder,allthewhilefulfillingmycareeraspirations.However,myideasaboutemploymentstartedtochangeafterrealizingthatoncethepostingmessagecame,Iwouldhavetoleaveitallbehind.OrsoIthought.
Thebestwaytotackleachallengeistohaveoptionsandbeopentoopportunity.Withanentrepreneurialspiritandthedesiretobemyownboss,Idecidedtoswitchfromtraditionalemploymenttoself-employment.Imadeaplanandthenquitmyjobsotherewasnoturningback.ItwasoneofthescariestthingsIhaveeverdoneandIwasfreakedoutforsixmonthswonderingifImadetherightdecision.
Beingself-employedhasmanyadvantagesformeandmyfamily.ItallowsforagreaterflexibilityofwhenandhowIwork.Withthreeveryyoungchildren,Icanworkaroundmyfamily’sschedule.IcanalsodecidethetimesofyearIchoosetowork,suchasslowingdownwhenweareabouttobepostedsoIcantakecareofotherhouseholdmatters.
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Asaresult,Icanworkfromhome,enablingmetocontinuemycareerwhilebalancingfamilyandpostingrelocations.Icanbringmyownemploymentopportunitieswithmeorstartnewonesinmynewlocation.IamalsomuchhappiernowthanIwasworkinginanofficeenvironmentwithmanycolleagues.IbelievethathadInotbeen‘livingthedream,’Imightneverhavetakentheleaptobecomeself-employed.Itwouldalwayshavebeenan‘I’lldoitoneday’dream.”
1.4.3 Pursuing a Home-Based Business“Ihavebeenamilitaryspouseforalittleover20yearsandhavebeenpostedsixtimes,bothwithinCanadaandabroadduringthattime.Imarriedanarmyguy,acareersoldieriswhatIthinktheycallit,andatthemomentIsaid‘Ido’Ihadnoideawhatitmeanttobeapartofamilitaryfamilyandwhatimpactsthatwouldhaveonmycareerthroughtheyears.
Movingeverytwotothreeyearshasrequiredmetoberesilientbutalsocreativeintermsofemployment.IrecognizedearlyonthatanofficecareerandapensionwerelikelynotinthecardsformeandIbegantoconsiderwhatIcoulddothatIcouldtakewithme.Whatresultedismehavingturnedmyloveforchildrenintoahome-basedchildcarebusiness.Therehavebeenchallengesforsure.Differentprovinceshavedifferentsetsofregulationsrelatedtochildcare,particularlyforthosewhooffercareinsideoftheirhomes.However,withpatienceandnow,experience,IhavebeenabletocontinuetodowhatIloveandprovideaservicetotheCAFcommunityineachofthelastfourpostingswehavehad.”
1.4.4 Making the Case for Telecommuting“IhavebeenmarriedtomyNavyspousefor10years.DuringthattimewehavelivedinOttawatwiceandHalifaxonce.PriortomeetingmyhusbandinOttawa,Iwasemployedinthefederalgovernmentworkingasapolicyanalyst.Ihavebothanundergraduateandagraduatedegree.
Afteraboutayearofmaritalbliss,andadmittedlythinkingthemilitarylifewasn’tsobad,myhusbandcamehomehappilyreportingthathewasbeingpostedtoHalifaxandthatwewouldbeleavingintwomonths.Iwasnothingshortofhorrified.Halifax?MygovernmentdepartmenthasnopresenceinHalifax,whatwouldhappentothecareerIhadworkedsohardtobuild?Ihadtomovewithhim,wehadagreedearlyonthatbeingapartwassimplynotanoption,butinthemomentthethoughtofalongdistancemarriageandastablecareerdidn’tseemallbad.
Oncetheshockandthepanicsubsided,Ibegansearchingforawaytohavemycakeandtoeatittoo:maintainingboththemarriageandcareerthatIlovesodearly.IstartedpouringoverarticlesontheInternetontelecommutingandoff-siteworkarrangementsandbegantobelievethatgivenmyfieldofexpertiseandthenatureofmyjob,IcouldcontinuetoworkformydepartmentwhileinHalifax.Iwroteabusinesscase,backedwithsocialscienceresearch,andmysupervisorboughtin.Ittooksomenegotiating,includinganagreementtoworkOttawahoursfromHalifax,butintheendIwasabletohavemyworkmovewithme.ThearrangementworkedsowellthatIwasabletodoitfortheentirethreeyearswespentinHalifaxbeforehecamehomeandannouncedwewerepostedbacktoOttawa.Ihavesincemovedbackintoanoffice-basedarrangement,butIamconfidentthatshouldthenewsofapostingcomeagain,Iwillbeabletopackmyjobupandmoveitjustlikethelasttime.”
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1.4.5 Learning from Teaching“Iamaneducator.IhadwantedtoteachfromthetimeIwasabletospeakthewords‘WhenIgrowupIwanttobe….’TherewasabsolutelynoquestionatallthatIwouldgotouniversityandbecomeateacher.
At17,offIwenttoQueen’sUniversityinKingstontofulfillmyteachingdestiny.LittledidIknow,myfuturepartnerwasalsoinKingston.He,however,wasnotatQueen’sbutatRoyalMilitaryCollegesoontobecomeanofficerintheCAF.Wemetandfellinloverightaway.Forthreeyears,wewerehappytobefollowingourdreamsandhappytobewitheachother.Andthenithappened…graduation.Iwasateacherallofasudden,andhewasanairforcelogisticsofficer.WithaninitialpostingtoTrenton,offwewentwithmyOntarioteachinglicenseintow.Wegotmarried.ItaughtintheBellevilleareaandwithinacoupleofyearsandwithhardworkandbeingintherightplaceattherighttime,Ilandedaclassofmyownteaching4thgraders.Ilovedmyjob.Ilovedthekids.IhatedthepostingmessagethatcameayearlaterindicatingthatmypartnerwasbeingpostedtoWinnipeg.
Thatfirstpostingwereallystruggled.Istruggled.Ifeltalotofresentmentathavingtopickupandmoveafterjusthavingestablishedmyself.Itdidn’tseemfair.
Sincethen,theadditionalfourrelocationswehavebeenfacedwithhavetakenusfromNorthtoEasttoWest.Transferringmyteachinglicensehasproventobethemostdifficultaspectofensuringmycareerhasmovedalongwithus.Jumpingthroughthebureaucratichoopsisdishearteningandlong.Oftendelaysor‘issues’withtheprocesshavemeantthatinthefirstyearaftermovingIhavenotbeenabletoteachregularly.Asaresult,IhavealwaysusedwhateverpauseinteachingIhavehadtobecomeastudent.Ihavedonealotofprofessionalupgradingandhaverecentlyfinishedanotherdegreefocusedondistancelearning.Now,Iamworkingfulltimeteaching…online.Ithoroughlyenjoythestudentsandtheabilitytoworkfromhome.WhilenottheclassroomsettingImighthaveenvisionedalmost20yearsago,IhavebeenabletocontinuetodowhatIloveandnowhaveacompletelyportablewaytodoit.”
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2 EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS ON MILITARY POSTING—WITHIN CANADA
There are a number of benefits available to Canadians depending on their situation.
ThischapterprovidesinformationonthefollowingbenefitsformilitaryspousespostedwithinCanada:
• EmploymentInsuranceRegularBenefits
• EmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParentalBenefits—Canada(ExcludingQuebec)
• EmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParentalBenefits—Quebec
• EmploymentInsuranceSicknessBenefits
• EmploymentInsuranceCompassionateCareBenefits
Forinformationonspousalemploymentbenefits,seetheIntegratedRelocationPrograminSection7,Chapter1.1.1.
2.1 Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
EmploymentInsurance(EI)RegularBenefitswereestablishedforwhenindividuals,throughnofaultoftheirown,losetheirjobs(forexample,throughlayoffsorbusinessclosures).ThisinsuranceprovidesunemployedCanadianswithtemporaryfinancialassistancewhiletheylookfornewemploymentorupgradetheirskills.
Whenindividualsarerelocatedduetoamilitaryposting,therearenospecialconsiderationsgivenformilitaryspouseswhodecidetoleavetheirjobsandrelocatewiththeirfamilies.However,spousesareencouragedtoapplyforunemploymentbenefitsinthesamemannerthattheywouldiftheylosttheirjobs.
2.1.1 Eligibility IndividualsmaybeentitledtoreceiveEIregularbenefitsifthey:• areemployedininsurableemployment;• losttheiremploymentthroughnofaultoftheirown;• havebeenwithoutworkandwithoutpayforatleastsevenconsecutive
daysinthelast52weeks;• haveworkedfortherequirednumberofinsurablehoursinthelast 52weeksorsincethestartoftheirlastEIclaim,whicheverisshorter;• areready,willing,andcapableofworkingeachday;and• areactivelylookingforwork(theymustkeepawrittenrecordof
employerstheycontact,includingwhentheycontactedthem).
TheymaynotbeentitledtoreceiveEIregularbenefitsifthey:• voluntarilylefttheiremploymentwithoutjustcause;• weredismissedformisconduct;or• areunemployedbecausetheyaredirectlyparticipatinginalabour
dispute(strike,lockout,orothertypeofdispute).
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Thenumberofhoursofinsurableemploymentneededtoqualifyforregularbenefitsdependsonthesituation.However,inallcases,thehoursofinsurableemploymentthatareusedtocalculatethebenefitperiodmusthavebeenaccumulatedduringthequalifyingperiod.
Consultwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/regular.shtml#Numberfordetails.
2.1.2 Application ProcessItisimportantforclientstoapplyforEIassoonastheystopworking.Iftheydelayfilingtheirclaimforbenefitsformorethanfourweeksaftertheirlastdayofwork,theymaylosebenefits.
ClientscanapplyforbenefitseveniftheyhavenotyetreceivedtheirRecordofEmployment(ROE).TheROEistheformthatemployersmustcompletewhenanemployeestopsworkingforthemorexperiencesaninterruptionofearnings.EmployersmustcompleteandissuetheformevenifnooneplanstoclaimEIbenefits.TheROEincludesinformationaboutemploymenthistory.
TofindoutiftheycanreceiveEIbenefits,clientsmustsubmitanapplicationonline.Theycanapply:• Athome:IftheyhaveaccesstotheInternetathome,theycanapplyforEIbenefitsfrom
there—24hoursaday,sevendaysaweek(www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/application/employmentinsurance.shtml).
• AtaServiceCanadaCentre:TheycanapplyonlineatanyServiceCanadaCentreusingoneofthemanyInternetkiosksavailable.TofindthenearestServiceCanadaCentre,visittheServiceCanadawebsite(www.servicecanada.gc.ca).
• AtapublicInternetaccesssite:Therearevariouslocationsincommunities,suchaspubliclibraries,whereclientscanaccesstheInternettoapplyforEIbenefits.
FormoreinformationonhowtoapplyforEIbenefits,seethepublicationcalledHow to Apply for Employment Insurance Benefits(www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/publications/process.shtml).
Itisimportanttogatherallinformation/documentspriortoapplying.SeetheEmploymentInsurance(EI)InformationandDocumentationChecklist:RegularBenefits.
2.1.3 Approval4 Iftheapplicantisentitledtoreceivebenefits,theycanexpecttoreceivetheirfirst
paymentwithin28daysfromthedateServiceCanadareceivedtheirapplicationandallrequireddocuments.
8 Iftheapplicantisnotentitledtoreceivebenefits,theywillbenotifiedbyServiceCanadabyletterortelephone.
Formoreinformationonthestatusoftheirapplication,clientscanvisittheServiceCanadawebsite(www.servicecanada.gc.ca)andclickon“AccessMyServiceCanadaAccount.”
FormoreinformationaboutRegularBenefits:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits/regular.shtml
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2.2 Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits—Canada (Excluding Quebec)
MaternityBenefitsandParentalBenefitsareincludedintheEmploymentInsurance(EI)programexceptforresidentsofQuebec.SinceJanuary1,2006,theProvinceofQuebechasbeenprovidingbenefitsthoughtheQuébecParentalInsuranceProgram(QPIP)(seeSection6,Chapter2.3fordetailsontheQPIP).
ApplicantsareallowedtoleaveCanadawhiletheyarereceivingMaternityandParentalBenefits;theonlystipulationisthattheycontactServiceCanada(1-800-206-7218)andletthemknow.
MaternityBenefits*:• areprovidedtobiologicalmothersincludingsurrogatemotherswhocannolonger
workbecausetheyarepregnantorhaverecentlydeliveredababy• areamaximumof15weeks• canstartasearlyas8weeksbeforetheexpectedduedate• canendaslateas17weeksafterthebirthdate
ParentalBenefits*:• areprovidedtoparentswhoarecaringforanewbornornewlyadoptedchild• areamaximumof35weeks(canbesharedbetween2parents)(startingdateisthe
weekofthechild’sbirthandcontinuesforthefollowing52weeks)
*Thenumberofweeksofbenefitsdoesnotchangeforamultiplebirthoradoptingmorethanonechildatatime.
SpecialNoteSpecificallyforMilitaryPersonnel:ToprovidemoreflexibilityforCAFmembers,ameasureimplementedin2010extendstheEIParentalBenefiteligibilityperiodfrom52weeksuptoamaximumof104weeks.ThisextensionisavailabletoCAFmemberswhocannotcollectalltheirParentalBenefitsduringtheregulareligibilityperiodbecauseofanimperativemilitaryrequirement,asconfirmedbytheDepartmentofNationalDefenceform“PATAExtension–ImperativeMilitaryRequirement.”Theimperativemilitaryrequirementcaneitherdeferorinterrupttheirparentalleave.
Formoreinformationaboutthisextension:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/faq_military_families.shtml
2.2.1 EligibilityIndividualsmaybeeligibletoreceiveEImaternityorparentalbenefitsif:• theyareemployedininsurableemployment;• theymeetthespecificcriteriaforreceivingEImaternityorparentalbenefits;• theirnormalweeklyearningsarereducedbymorethan40percent;and• theyhaveaccumulatedatleast600hoursofinsurableemploymentduringthequalifying
periodor,iftheyareaself-employedfisher,theyhaveearnedenoughmoneyduringthequalifyingperiod.
Fordetailsregardingtheabovecriteria,visitwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/maternity_parental.shtml#eligible.
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2.2.2 Application ProcessClientsshouldapplyassoonaspossibleaftertheystopworking,eveniftheiremployerhasnotissuedtheirRecordofEmployment(ROE)yet.Iftheydelayapplyingforbenefitslaterthanfourweeksaftertheirlastdayofwork,theyrisklosingbenefits.
Therearedifferentconditionsregardingqualifyingdatesformaternityandparentalbenefits.Fordetails,consultwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/maternity_parental.shtml#applying.
Theapplicationprocessmustbedoneonline(www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/application/employmentinsurance.shtml).Thewebsiteincludesdetailedinstructionsonhowtocompletetheform.
Itisimportanttogatherallinformation/documentspriortoapplying.SeetheEmploymentInsurance(EI)InformationandDocumentationChecklist:MaternityandParentalBenefits—Canada(ExcludingQuebec).
2.2.3 Approval4 Iftheapplicantiseligibleforbenefits,theyshouldreceivetheirfirstpaymentwithin 28daysofthedatetheirapplicationwasreceivedincludingallrequireddocumentation
(thereisatwo-weekwaitingperiodduringwhichnopaymentsaremade).8 Iftheapplicantisnoteligibleforbenefitstheywillbenotifiedbymailortelephoneby
ServiceCanadatoexplainwhy.Applicantshavetherighttorequestreconsideration.
Formoreinformationonthestatusoftheirapplication,clientscanvisittheServiceCanadawebsite(www.servicecanada.gc.ca)andclickon“AccessMyServiceCanadaAccount.”
FormoreinformationaboutMaternityandParentalBenefits:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits/maternityparental.shtml
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2.3 Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits—Quebec
TheQuébecParentalInsuranceProgram(QPIP)isdesignedtoprovidebenefitstoeligibleworkers(salariedand/orself-employed)intheformofmaternityleave,paternityleave,parentalleaveoradoptionleave.
MaternityBenefits• areprovidedtothemotheronly• inthecaseofinterruptionofpregnancy,iftheinterruptionoccurred afterthe19thweekofpregnancy,themotherisentitledto18weeks• canstartasearlyas16weeksbeforetheexpectedduedate• canendaslateas18weeksafterthebirthdate• thenumberofeligibleweeksisbasedontheplanchosen
PaternityBenefits• areprovidedtothefatheronly• canstartnoearlierthantheweekthechildisborn• thenumberofeligibleweeksisbasedontheplanchosen
ParentalBenefits• areprovidedtoparentswhoarecaringforanewborn• thenumberofeligibleweeksisbasedontheplanchosen
AdoptionBenefits• areprovidedtoparentswhoarecaringforanewlyadoptedchild• thestartdateofbenefitsdependsonthetypeofadoption
Same-sexspousesarealsoentitledtobenefitsundertheQPIP.
2.3.1 EligibilityEligibilityfortheQPIPdependsontheworkerstatusofthepersonapplying.ThisincludesWageEarners,Self-EmployedWorkersandWageEarnersWhoAreAlsoSelf-Employed.
Fordetailedinformationoneligibilityconditionsaccordingtoworkerstatus,visitwww.rqap.gouv.qc.ca/services_en_ligne/choix_conditions_admissibilite_en.asp.
2.3.2 Application ProcessInordertoreceivebenefitsundertheQPIP,eachparentmustapply.• TheQPIPhasanonlineapplicationprocess.• Anapplicationcannotbesubmitteduntiltheclienthasstoppedworking;
however,theapplicationcanbecompletedbeforetheemployerissuestheRecordofEmployment.
• Anydelayinapplyingcouldresultinalossofbenefits.• Thedatethatanapplicationissubmittedisimportantbecauseitbecomes
thefilingdateandthefilingdatedetermineswhenbenefitscanbegin.
ApplicantscanregisterforQPIPonlineservices(www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca/services_en_ligne/comment_inscription_enligne_en.asp)orapplybymail.
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Itisimportanttogatherallinformation/documentspriortoapplying.SeetheEmploymentInsurance(EI)InformationandDocumentationChecklist:MaternityandParentalBenefits—Quebec.
2.3.3 Approval Applicationdecisionsareusuallydeterminedwithin14daysfollowingthereceiptoftheapplication,includingalldocumentation,attheCentredeserviceàlaclientèle.InorderfortheCentretoprocessapplicationsasquicklyaspossible,applicantsmustprovideallrequiredinformationanddocumentationpriortothespecifieddeadline.
ApplicantswhochoosetousetheQPIPonlineserviceswillobtaintheirdecisionmuchquicker.Applicantswhoprefertouseregularmailmustremembertoaddthemailingtimetotheirprocessingtime.Inaddition,theymustprovidesufficientpostageontheirreturnenvelope.
OnceaQPIPapprovalhasbeenobtained,applicantswillreceiveanoticeofdecision.
FormoreinformationontheQPIP,visitwww.rqap.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asporcontacttheCentredeserviceàlaclientèleatthefollowingnumbers:• ThroughoutNorthAmerica:1-888-610-7727(tollfree)• Overseas:1-416-342-3059(chargesapply)
2.4 Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits
SicknessBenefitsareforapplicantswhoareunabletoworkduetosickness,injuryorquarantine.Applicantsmaybeeligibleforupto15weeksofEmploymentInsurance(EI)SicknessBenefits.
2.4.1 EligibilityIndividualsmaybeentitledtoreceiveEIsicknessbenefitsif:• theyareemployedininsurableemployment;• theymeetthespecificcriteriaforreceivingEIsicknessbenefits;• theirnormalweeklyearningshavebeenreducedbymorethan40percent;and• theyhaveaccumulatedatleast600hoursofinsurableemployment
duringthequalifyingperiodor,iftheyareaself-employedfisher,theyhavesufficientinsurableearningsfromself-employmentinfishingduringthequalifyingperiod.
Fordetailsregardingtheabovecriteria,visitwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/sickness.shtml#eligible.
It is important to gather all information/
documents prior to applying for any
benefits.
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2.4.2 Application Process Applicantscansubmitanapplicationonline:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/application/employmentinsurance.shtml
2.4.3 Approval4 Iftheapplicantiseligibleforbenefits,theyshouldreceivetheirfirstpaymentwithin 28daysofthedatetheirapplicationwasreceivedincludingallrequireddocumentation
(thereisatwo-weekwaitingperiodduringwhichnopaymentsaremade).8 Iftheapplicantisnoteligibleforbenefitstheywillbenotifiedbymailortelephone byServiceCanadatoexplainwhy.
Formoreinformationonthestatusoftheirapplication,clientscanvisittheServiceCanadawebsite(www.servicecanada.gc.ca)andclickon“AccessMyServiceCanadaAccount.”
FormoreinformationaboutSicknessBenefits:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/benefits/sickness.shtml
2.5 Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
CompassionatecarebenefitsareEmploymentInsurance(EI)benefitspaidtopeoplewhohavetobeawayfromworktemporarilytoprovidecareorsupporttoafamilymemberwhoisgravelyillandwhohasasignificantriskofdeathwithin26weeks(sixmonths).Amaximumofsixweeksofcompassionatecarebenefitsmaybepaidtoeligiblepeople.
2.5.1 EligibilityIndividualscanreceivecompassionatecarebenefitsforuptoamaximumofsixweeksiftheyhavetobeabsentfromworktoprovidecareorsupporttoagravelyillfamilymemberatriskofdyingwithin26weeks.IftheyareunemployedandalreadyreceivingEIbenefits,theycanalsoapplyforcompassionatecarebenefits.
Tobeeligibleforcompassionatecarebenefits,theymustbeabletoshowthat:• theirregularweeklyearningsfromworkhavedecreasedbymorethan40percent;and• theyhaveaccumulated600insuredhoursofworkinthelast52weeks,orsincethestart
oftheirlastclaim(thisperiodiscalledthequalifyingperiod).
Fordetailsonwhocanapplyandwhoqualifiesasafamilymember,visitwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/compassionate_care.shtml#Who.
2.5.2 Application Process Applicantscansubmitanapplicationonline:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/application/employmentinsurance.shtml
Fordetailsonhowtoapply,includingdocumentationrequired,visitwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/compassionate_care.shtml#how_apply.
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2.5.3 ApprovalThereisatwo-weekwaitingperiodpriortoreceivingbenefits.4 Ifapproved,applicantscanexpecttheirfirstpaymentwithin28days.8 Ifapplicantsarenoteligible,theycanexpectaletterortelephonecall
explainingthedecision.
FormoreinformationaboutCompassionateCareBenefits:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/compassionate_care.shtml
Toolbox List
1. Employment Insurance (EI) Information and Documentation Checklist: Regular Benefits
2. Employment Insurance (EI) Information and Documentation Checklist: Maternity and Parental Benefits—Canada (Excluding Quebec)
3. Employment Insurance (EI) Information and Documentation Checklist: Maternity and Parental Benefits—Quebec
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3 EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS ON MILITARY POSTING—U.S.
CAF family members are entitled to work while living in the U.S. They may also be entitled to Regular, Maternity and Parental, Sickness and Compassionate Care Benefits if they are posted in the United States and working for the Canadian government or for the Canadian Armed Forces. Dependants include spouse, unmarried children under 21, unmarried full-time students under 25, and unmarried disabled children.
Maternity and Parental, Sickness and Compassionate Care Benefits can be paid to applicants who are living in the United States as long as they meet the requirements for these benefits.
ThischapterprovidesdetailsonthefollowingbenefitsforCAFmemberspostedintheU.S.:
• EmploymentInsuranceRegularBenefits
• EmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParentalBenefits,
SicknessBenefitsandCompassionateCareBenefits
Forinformationonspousalemploymentbenefits,seetheIntegratedRelocationPrograminSection7,Chapter1.1.1.
3.1 Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
UnemploymentbenefitscanbepaidtoresidentsoftheUnitedStatesuptoamaximumof36weeks.ThenumberofweekspayableisbasedonthenumberofinsurablehourstheclienthasaccumulatedinCanadaduringthelast52weeksorsincethelastclaim.
IndividualsmaybeentitledtoreceiveEmploymentInsurance(EI)benefitswhileresidingintheUnitedStatesifthey:• haveworkedinajobthatisinsuredunderCanada’sEmployment
Insuranceprogram;• inthelast52weeksorsincetheirlastclaim,haveworkedbetween 420and700hours*;and• arelegallyauthorizedtoworkintheUnitedStates.
*Insomeinstances,910hoursarerequiredtoqualify(forexample,applicantsintheworkforceforthefirsttimeorre-enteringtheworkforceafteranabsenceoftwoyears).However,ifapplicantshavereceivedatleastoneweekofMaternityandParentalBenefitsinthe208weeksbeforethe52-weekperiodpriortothequalifyingperiod,theywillrequirebetween420and700hourstoqualifyforregularbenefits.Formoreinformation,call1-800-206-7218.
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ThenumberofhoursrequiredisbasedontheregionalrateofunemploymentintheeconomicregionwheretheindividuallastworkedinCanada
Consultwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/interstate/outsidecanada.shtmlfordetails.
Note:AllclaimsreceivedfrompeopleresidingoutsideofCanadaareprocessedintheOntarioregion,attheServiceCanadaCentreinKingston.Formoreinformation,call1-877-486-1650.
3.2 Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits, Sickness Benefits and Compassionate Care Benefits
ClientsmaybeeligibletoreceiveMaternityandParental,SicknessandCompassionateCareBenefitsiftheyarelivingintheUnitedStatesaslongastheymeettherequirementsforthesebenefits.
TobeeligibleforMaternityandParental,SicknessandCompassionateCareBenefitsapplicantsmustprovethattheyhaveworked:• inajobthatisinsuredunderCanada’sEmploymentInsuranceprogram;and• foratleast600hoursinthelast52weeksorsincetheirlastclaim.
ApplicantsmayfiletheirclaimforCanadianEmploymentInsuranceMaternityandParental,SicknessorCompassionateCareBenefitsonline:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/application/employmentinsurance.shtml
Thewebsiteincludesdetailedinstructionsonhowtocompletetheform.
Formoreinformation,callServiceCanadaat1-800-206-7218.
Toolbox List
1. Employment Insurance (EI) Information and Documentation Checklist: Regular Benefits
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4 EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS ON MILITARY POSTING—OUTSIDE CANADA AND THE U.S.
Clients permanently residing in a country other than Canada or the United States may be eligible for Maternity and Parental, Sickness and Compassionate Care Benefits if they have worked in a job in their country of residence that is insurable under Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program.
ThischapterprovidesdetailsonthefollowingbenefitsforCAFmemberspostedoutsideCanadaortheU.S.:
• Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
• Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits, Sickness Benefits and Compassionate Care Benefits
Forinformationonspousalemploymentbenefits,seetheIntegratedRelocationPrograminSection7,Chapter1.1.1.
4.1 Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
MilitaryspousesanddependantswhoworkoutsideofCanadamaybeentitledtobenefitsunderCanada’sEIprogramiftheyworkoutsideCanadaforaCanadiancompanyortheCanadiangovernment.However,theywillnotbeinsuredbytheEIprogramiftheirjobiscoveredbythecountryinwhichtheyareworking.
ForinformationaboutwhetherajobisinsuredunderCanada’sEmploymentInsuranceprogram,contacttheemployerorcalltheCanadaRevenueAgencyat1-800-959-5525.
MilitaryspousesanddependantswhopermanentlyresideinacountryotherthanCanadaortheUnitedStateswheretheyarenotlegallyauthorizedtoworkarenoteligibleforregularunemploymentbenefits.
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4.2 Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits, Sickness Benefits and Compassionate Care Benefits
IftheapplicantnormallyresidesoutsideCanadaandtheUnitedStatesandtheirlastemploymentwasinCanada,theymaybeeligibleforMaternityandParentalorCompassionateCareBenefits,providedtheyhaveavalidSocialInsuranceNumber.
SicknessBenefitsmaybeapplicableinacasewhereaspouseofamemberoftheCanadianArmedForcesisworkingabroadfortheCanadiangovernment.Iftheybecomeillandareunabletowork,theycanapplyforSicknessBenefitsiftheymeettherequirements.
ApplicantsmayfiletheirclaimforCanadianEIMaternityandParental,SicknessorCompassionateCareBenefitsonline:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/application/employmentinsurance.shtml
Formoreinformation,call1-800-206-7218,visitwww.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/information/outside_canada.shtml#permanent,orwritetothefollowingaddress:
ServiceCanadaCentre Sub-UnitofInterstateClaimProcessing 299ConcessionStreet POBox210 KingstonONK7K2B9 CANADA
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Tool For Section 6 – Chapters 2.1 and 3.1Employment Insurance (EI) Information and DocumentationChecklist: Regular Benefits
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) INFORMATION ANDDOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST: REGULAR BENEFITS
ThischecklistappliestobothCanadaandtheU.S.
q SocialInsuranceNumber(SIN)q Mother’smaidennameq Mailingandresidentialaddresses,includingpostalcodesq Completebankinginformationtosignupfordirectdeposit,includingthefinancialinstitutionname,thebank
branchnumber,andaccountnumberq Thenames,addresses,datesofemployment,andreasonforseparationforallemployersforthelast52weeksq Adetailedversionoffactsiftheclientquitorwasdismissedfromanyjobinthelast52weeksq Thedates(SundaytoSaturday)andearningsforeachoftheirhighestpaidweeksofinsurableearningsinthe
last52weeksorsincethestartoftheirlastEIclaim,whicheveristheshorterperiod(thisinformationwillbeused,alongwiththeirRecord(s)ofEmployment,tocalculatetheirweeklyEIbenefitrate)
Clientsmayalsohavetoprovidethefollowingdetailsiftheyarereactivatinganexistingclaim:
q Thesalaryamountbeforedeductionsreceivedforthelastweektheyworked(fromSundaytothelastdayofwork),includingtipsandcommissions
q Anyotheramountstheyreceivedorwillreceive(forexample,vacationpay,severancepay,pensionpayments,payinlieuofnotice,andothermoney)
ClientsmustalsoprovidetheirRecordsofEmployment(ROEs):
q IftheemployerissuesROEsinpaperformat,clientsmustrequestcopiesofallROEsissuedto themduringthelast52weeksandprovidethemtoServiceCanadaassoonaspossibleafterthey submittheirEIapplication.ClientsmusteithermailtheirpaperROEsordropthemoffinpersonat aServiceCanadaCentre.q IftheemployersubmitsROEselectronicallytoServiceCanada,clientsdonotneedtorequestcopies oftheirROEsfromtheiremployer,andtheydonothavetoprovidecopiestoServiceCanada.
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Tool For Section 6 – Chapter 2.2Employment Insurance (EI) Information and Documentation Checklist: Maternity and Parental Benefits—Canada (Excluding Quebec)
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST: MATERNITY AND PARENTAL BENEFITS—CANADA
(EXCLUDING QUEBEC)
q SocialInsuranceNumber(SIN)—iftheclient’sSINbeginswitha9,theywillneedtoprovideproofoftheirimmigrationstatusandworkpermit
q Mother’smaidennameq Mailingandresidentialaddresses,includingthepostalcodes—iftheclientdoesnothaveausualplaceof
residence,theymustapplyinpersonattheirlocalServiceCanadaCentreq Completebankinginformation,includingthefinancialinstitutionnameandnumber,thebranchnumber,andaccount
number,tosignupfordirectdeposit
ToapplyforEImaternitybenefits,clientsmustalsoprovidetheexpectedoractualdateofbirth.
ToapplyforEIparentalbenefits,clientsmustprovide:
q Thedateofbirthoftheirnewbornor,inthecaseofanadoption,thedateonwhichtheirchildwasplacedwiththem(clientsmustalsoprovidethefullnameandaddressoftheagencyhandlingtheadoption)
q TheSINoftheotherparent,iftheyplantosharethebenefits
Clientswillalsoneedthefollowingemploymentinformationiftheyareorwereanemployee:
q Thenamesandaddressesofallemployerstheyworkedforinthelast52weeks,aswellasthedatesofemploymentandthereasonsforseparationfromtheseemployers
q Adetailedversionofthefacts,iftheyquitorweredismissedfromanyjobinthelast52weeksq Thedates(SundaytoSaturday)andearningsforeachoftheirhighestpaidweeksofinsurableearningsinthelast 52weeksorsincethestartoftheirlastEIclaim,whicheveristheshorterperiod(thisinformationwillbeused,along
withtheirRecord(s)ofEmployment,tocalculatetheirweeklyEIbenefitrate)
Iftheclientisaself-employedpersonwhohasregisteredtoaccessEISpecialBenefitsforSelf-EmployedPeople,theywillalsoneedtoprovidetheirself-employmentearningsfortheprevioustaxyear(theexactamount,ortheestimatedamountiftheyhavenotfiledtheirincometaxandbenefitreturn).
ClientsmustalsoprovidetheirRecordsofEmployment(ROEs):q IftheemployerissuesROEsinpaperformat,clientsmustrequestcopiesofallROEsissuedto themduringthelast52weeksandprovidethemtoServiceCanadaassoonaspossibleafterthey submittheirEIapplication.ClientsmusteithermailtheirpaperROEsordropthemoffinpersonat aServiceCanadaCentre.q IftheemployersubmitsROEselectronicallytoServiceCanada,clientsdonotneedtorequestcopies oftheirROEsfromtheiremployer,andtheydonothavetoprovidecopiestoServiceCanada.
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Tool For Section 6 – Chapter 2.3Employment Insurance (EI) Information and DocumentationChecklist: Maternity and Parental Benefits—Quebec
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST: MATERNITY AND PARENTAL BENEFITS—QUEBEC
q SocialInsuranceNumber(SIN)oftheparentapplicant,theotherparentandthespouse,ifapplicableq Dateofbirthoftheparentapplicant,theotherparentandthespouse,ifapplicableq Expecteddateofbirthq Informationonthechild’sidentityaccordingtothebirthcertificate(familyname,firstname,dateofbirth, gender)ifthechildhasbeenbornq Arrivaldateofthechildintothecareofoneoftheparentsforadoptionq Informationonbankaccountandfinancialinstitutiontotakeadvantageofthebenefitdirectdepositoption (thisinformationcanbefoundonachequeorabankstatement)q Remunerationenddateq Informationregardingincome
Additionalinformationordocumentscansometimesberequiredforestablishingtheclient’seligibility.SeetheQuébecParentalInsuranceProgram(QPIP)websitefordetails(www.rqap.gouv.qc.ca/travailleur_salarie/demarche/documents_en.asp).
ItisimportantthattheapplicantinformtheQPIPimmediatelyofanychangeintheirsituation.