⚠️ Self-Employed Cannot Claim Regular EI:
Self-employed Canadians (sole proprietors, freelancers, independent contractors) are **not entitled to regular EI** if their business slows down or they choose to stop working. The only EI available is "special benefits" — maternity, parental, sickness, and compassionate care — and only after voluntarily registering and paying premiums for at least 12 months.
Self-Employed EI Benefit Estimator
Calculate your EI premiums and potential special benefit amounts:
Key Opt-In Rules & Conditions
- Deregistration Penalty: If you deregister from the EI program before claiming benefits, you must repay all premiums paid in the last 12 months — even if you never filed a claim.
- Income Threshold: To claim, you must have net self-employment income of at least **$7,500** in the calendar year prior to the start of your claim period.
- Stop Working Requirement: To receive parental or sickness benefits, you must stop working (or reduce working to fewer than allowable insurable hours) for each week you claim benefits.
- Tax on Benefits: EI special benefits are taxable income. They are reported on a T4E slip and must be included in your T1 tax return.
Official Government References & Sources
• ESDC — EI for Self-Employed Canadians: canada.ca/ei-self-employed
EI Opt-In Key Facts
EI Premium Rate (2026)1.049% of net income
Max Insurable Earnings$65,700 CAD
Max Weekly Benefit$695 CAD
Waiting Period Before Claim12+ Months