EI fishing benefits
Canada
Money for fish harvesters and sharespersons
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|minCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateMay 26, 2020
grant_single|financingType
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
If you are a self-employed fish harvester or a sharesperson looking for work, you could access EI benefits on the basis of insurable earnings from previous seasons.
grant_single_labels|projects
EI fishing benefits in Canada are available to self-employed fishers across various regions. Eligibility depends on regional unemployment rates affecting required earnings for benefits.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or less requiring at least $4,200 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 6.1% to 7% requiring at least $4,000 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 7.1% to 8% requiring at least $3,800 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 8.1% to 9% requiring at least $3,600 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 9.1% to 10% requiring at least $3,400 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 10.1% to 11% requiring at least $3,200 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 11.1% to 12% requiring at least $2,900 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 12.1% to 13% requiring at least $2,700 in earnings.
- Regions with an unemployment rate of 13.1% or more requiring at least $2,500 in earnings.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$13,500
St. John's
Launching a mental health support program for fishers in St John's
$20,000
Toronto
Developing a fish market app for direct sales
$10,000
Quebec City
Creating an information campaign for sustainable fishing
$12,000
Vancouver
Revamping electronic tracking systems for fishing operations
$17,000
Montreal
Establishing a marine safety training program
$15,000
Halifax
Implementation of sustainable fishing practices
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for EI fishing benefits requires meeting certain income and employment-related criteria specific to self-employed fishers in Canada.
- The applicant must be a self-employed fisher actively seeking work.
- Eligibility is based on earnings from self-employment in fishing, not insurable hours of employment.
- The applicant must have earned a minimum amount during the qualifying period, which varies based on the regional unemployment rate. This ranges from $2,500 to $4,200.
- The qualifying period for benefit calculations cannot begin earlier than the week of March 1 for summer fishing or the week of September 1 for winter fishing, and it cannot start more than 31 weeks before the start of the benefit period.
- To qualify for EI special benefits (sickness, maternity, parental, and caregiving), the applicant must earn $3,760 or more during the qualifying period.
- If previously penalized for a false statement or misrepresentation, the applicant may need to earn more to qualify.
- Applicants need to provide records of income, details of work history, and other personal and employment-related information when applying.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
EI Fishing Benefits are tailored specifically for self-employed fishers in Canada who are actively seeking work and whose eligibility for benefits is determined based on their earnings from self-employment in fishing, instead of the accumulated insurable hours of employment. These benefits are accessible to fishers who meet the specified earnings threshold corresponding to the regional unemployment rate and who might also be eligible for additional special benefits such as sickness, maternity, parental, and caregiving benefits.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Employment Insurance (EI) fishing benefits aim to support self-employed fishers who are actively seeking work while also being eligible for various special benefits. The activities eligible for this grant revolve primarily around fishing-related earnings and caregiving responsibilities.
- Seeking work actively as a self-employed fisher.
- Self-employed fishing activities that meet the earnings criteria during the qualifying period.
- Caregiving activities for family members with serious medical conditions under compassionate care benefits.
- Providing care for a critically ill child or adult family member under family caregiver benefits.
- Taking maternity or parental leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
- Temporarily stopping fishing activities due to medical reasons and claiming sickness benefits.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Employment Insurance (EI) fishing benefits are available to self-employed fishers in various regions, and eligibility depends on the regional rate of unemployment. The required earnings to qualify for these benefits vary by region.
- 6% or less unemployment rate - $4,200
- 6.1% to 7% unemployment rate - $4,000
- 7.1% to 8% unemployment rate - $3,800
- 8.1% to 9% unemployment rate - $3,600
- 9.1% to 10% unemployment rate - $3,400
- 10.1% to 11% unemployment rate - $3,200
- 11.1% to 12% unemployment rate - $2,900
- 12.1% to 13% unemployment rate - $2,700
- 13.1% or more unemployment rate - $2,500
grant_single_labels|criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for the EI fishing benefits grant: - Qualifying as a self-employed fisher actively seeking work - Eligibility based on earnings, not insurable hours of employment - Ability to receive regular fishing benefits as well as other related benefits such as sickness, maternity, parental, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Gather Required Information
- Ensure you have your social insurance number (SIN).
- If your SIN starts with a "9," obtain proof of your immigration status and work permit.
- Prepare your date of birth and your parent's last name at birth.
- List your mailing and residential addresses, including postal codes.
- Collect the names and addresses of all buyers of your catch and any employers over the last 52 weeks.
- Record dates for periods of self-employed fishing and other employment.
- Document reasons for separation from any employment in the past 52 weeks.
- Have your complete banking information ready, including your financial institution name, branch number, and account number.
- Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Submit your Employment Insurance (EI) application online.
- Begin the application process and make sure to save your temporary password if you plan to return to it later. Your application will be saved for 72 hours.
- Step 3: Finalize and Submit Application
- Ensure all required fields are completed within the online application.
- Review your application for accuracy before submission.
- Submit the application no later than 4 weeks after your last day of work, the end date of your fishing trip, or the date you sold your catch.
- Step 4: Confirmation and Next Steps
- Receive confirmation of submission, noting the application reference number.
- Check your email for any follow-up communications.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the EI fishing benefits:
- The qualifying period can be impacted if an application was previously approved within the last 31 weeks.
- The family supplement is available and can increase the benefit rate up to 80% of average insurable earnings for low income families.
- Benefits from this program are taxable and federal as well as provincial or territorial taxes will be deducted from payments.
- The maximum duration for receiving fishing benefits is 26 weeks within a 37-38 week benefit period, but this can extend up to 52 weeks if claiming special benefits such as sickness benefits.
- Application must be done no later than four weeks after the last day of work, the end date of the fishing trip, or the date of selling the catch to a buyer.
- The application process online takes approximately one hour, and information is saved for only 72 hours if not completed.
- Employers are required to issue records of employment (ROEs) for past and recent jobs, viewable on My Service Canada Account, to aid in determining eligibility and the amount of benefits.
Apply to this program
Understanding Employment Insurance Fishing Benefits in Canada
Employment Insurance (EI) fishing benefits provide crucial financial assistance to self-employed fishers in Canada, aligning the benefits with their unique employment circumstances. These benefits offer comprehensive support, extending beyond regular fishing benefits to include various special benefits based on specific eligibility criteria related to earnings.
Exploring the Structure and Purpose of EI Fishing Benefits
In Canada, the Employment Insurance (EI) fishing benefits program is specifically tailored to assist self-employed fishers who often face unique challenges compared to regular employees due to the nature of their work. The primary distinction of this program is its earnings-based eligibility, which diverges from the typical insurable hours requirement seen in standard EI benefits. This distinctive approach considers the income generated from fishing activities during a defined qualifying period, ensuring that fishers receive the necessary financial support when they are unable to work.
The program is structured to provide support across different phases of fishing seasons, with specific qualifying periods for both summer and winter fishing benefits. For summer fishing, the qualifying period starts no earlier than the week of March 1, while for winter fishing, it begins from the week of September 1. These periods aim to accommodate the seasonal nature of fishing, acknowledging the ebb and flow of work opportunities that fishers encounter throughout the year. Furthermore, the system is flexible in recognizing previous benefit periods if an application has been approved within the last 31 weeks, effectively bridging any potential earnings gaps for fishers.
Moreover, EI fishing benefits encompass several specialized forms, including sickness, maternity, parental, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits. This wide array of support mechanisms underscores the program's commitment to catering to the various needs that fishers may have, ensuring both personal and familial stability in times of financial uncertainty. The qualification for these special benefits is also based on earnings, and they provide an essential safety net for fishers during times when medical conditions, childbirth, or caregiving responsibilities arise.
A critical aspect of the fishing benefits is their alignment with regional unemployment rates, which dictate the required earnings threshold for eligibility. This nuanced approach ensures that benefits are fairly and equitably distributed, reflecting the varying economic conditions across different geographic locations in Canada. The unemployment rate in a fisher's region directly affects the earnings needed to qualify, promoting a fair distribution of resources and ensuring that those in higher unemployment areas have a reasonable opportunity to access these benefits.
In clearer terms, the program assists fishers in meeting their financial needs during challenging periods, stabilizing their income and providing assurance against the volatile nature of their occupation. By dividing total earnings during the relevant qualifying period by the applicable divisor, which corresponds to the regional unemployment rate, the weekly benefit amount is calculated. Yet, to maintain balance within the system, this amount is capped at a maximum allowable rate, from which the final benefit amount is derived by taking 55%. This calculation process ensures that the benefits are closely tied to actual earnings capacity while maintaining fairness across diverse economic landscapes.
Additionally, the family supplement feature offers further assistance to low-income families, potentially increasing the benefit rate up to 80% of average insurable earnings, provided the family's gross income does not exceed $25,921 annually. This aspect of the program is crucial for maintaining socio-economic equity within the EI system.
Information clarity and accessibility is a crucial part of the EI program. Fishers are encouraged to apply promptly, no later than four weeks after the end of their last working day or fishing trip, to avoid losing benefits. A comprehensive checklist of necessary documentation, such as social insurance numbers, birth details, and records of employment, ensures that applications are processed smoothly and efficiently.
These carefully designed structures within the EI fishing benefits program embody a holistic approach to supporting fishers, addressing their unique challenges and aligning public assistance with the operational realities of those within the fishing industry. Ultimately, Employment Insurance fishing benefits not only provide a safety net, but they also reinforce the resilience of Canada’s vital fishing communities, ensuring that their economic and social contributions continue unabated despite periodic adversities.
