$695/Week EI Benefit February 2025: Eligibility, Payment Dates & CRA Updates
As of January 2025, the most that Canadians can get each week from Employment Insurance (EI) is $695, up from $668 in 2024. What this change is meant to do is give more cash aid to workers who are qualified and can’t work because they are sick or taking care of a family member. People who are actively looking for work and are jobless can get regular benefits from the EI program. People who are sick and can’t work can also get sickness benefits, and people who are caring for a seriously ill family member can get caregiving benefits. It is very important for Canadians who need money when their income isn’t solid to know what they need to do to qualify for each of these benefits and how to apply.

$650 a week for CRA Employment Insurance
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Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) program raised the highest weekly benefit from $668 to $695 in 2025. The goal was to help eligible workers who were losing their jobs or had to take time off because of illness or caregiving duties by giving them more money. To get EI benefits, you have to show that you worked a certain number of hours that are counted, explain why you are unemployed, and provide information about the unemployment rate in your area. People can apply through Service Canada, and they have to send in notes every two weeks to keep their benefits. It’s important to remember that EI payments are taxed, so people who get them should plan for their tax responsibilities.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Name of the Program | Employment Insurance (EI) |
Weekly Payment Amount | Up to $695/week (increased from $668 in 2024) |
Minimum Weekly Payment | $300/week (based on insurable hours and income) |
Payment Frequency | Weekly |
Types of Benefits Covered | – Regular EI- Sickness Benefits- Caregiving- Maternity & Parental Leave |
Eligibility Criteria | Unemployed Canadians (not at fault), must meet required insurable hours |
Administering Agency | Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) |
Application Process | – Apply online via Service Canada– Or visit a Service Canada Centre in person |
Processing Time | Up to 28 days |
Taxable? | Yes, EI payments are taxable and must be reported in annual tax returns |
Maximum Insurable Earnings | $65,700 in 2025 (up from $63,200 in 2024) |
Issuing Agency | Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) |
Last Updated | February 2025 |
Official Website | www.canada.ca |
Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) policy gives eligible people a maximum weekly benefit of $695 in 2025, up from $668 in 2024. The program covers a range of benefits, such as regular, sick, childcare, maternity, paternity, and maternity leave benefits. It also helps workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and have met the minimum insurable hours requirement by giving them money. The program is run by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You can apply online through Service Canada or in person at a Service Canada office. It can take up to 28 days for your entry to be processed. It is important to remember that EI payments are taxed and need to be included on yearly tax returns. The highest amount of money that can be insured in 2025 is $65,700, up from $63,200 in 2024. To find out more, go to www.canada.ca and look for the Employment Insurance page for the Government of Canada.
What is Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) Program?
Employment Insurance (EI) is a government-run income support program overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It offers temporary wage replacement to eligible individuals in Canada who have lost their jobs for reasons beyond their control—such as layoffs or company downsizing. The program is managed through Service Canada, ensuring that those who qualify get financial help while they search for work or pursue approved training opportunities.
🔍 Note: The term “CRA Weekly EI Payments” is inaccurate. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not handle EI benefits. All responsibilities, including processing and disbursing payments, lie with ESDC and Service Canada.
EI Benefit Rates for 2025
Category | Details |
---|---|
Standard Payment Rate | 55% of your average weekly insured earnings |
Highest Weekly Payout | $695 per week in 2025 (up from $668 in 2024) |
Lowest Weekly Payment | Minimum of $300 per week, depending on eligibility factors |
Annual Insurable Limit | $65,700 maximum for insured earnings in 2025 |
Example Calculation:
If your earnings were high enough to meet the yearly insurable maximum, you’d receive the full $695/week. Otherwise, your payment will be based on 55% of your average insured weekly income.
Who Qualifies for Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits in 2025?
To qualify for EI benefits in 2025, applicants must meet specific conditions related to job loss, work history, and availability. The program is designed to support individuals who are genuinely unemployed through no fault of their own and actively looking for new work.
Here’s what you need to be eligible:
- Ready and Looking for Work: You must be available to work and actively job hunting during the benefit period. If your earnings were high enough to meet the yearly insurable maximum, you’d receive the full $695/week. Otherwise, your payment will be based on 55% of your average insured weekly income.
- Job Loss Not Your Fault: You must have been laid off or lost your job due to circumstances beyond your control, such as economic downsizing, seasonal work ending, or company closures.
- Sufficient Insurable Hours: You need to have worked between 420 to 700 insurable hours, depending on the unemployment rate in your local area. The higher the local unemployment rate, the fewer hours may be required.
- Recent Work History: You must have had insurable employment within the last 52 weeks or since your previous EI claim, whichever is more recent.
How to Apply for Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits in 2025 – Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re planning to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in 2025, it’s important to follow the correct process to avoid delays. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the application steps and timelines.
- Gather Documents:
To apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in 2025, start by gathering the necessary documents. You’ll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN), Record of Employment (ROE) from your employer, your banking details for direct deposit, and a summary of your recent job history.
- Apply:
Once ready, you can submit your application either online through the Service Canada website or in person by visiting a Service Canada Centre near you.
- Processing Time:
After submission, your application will be reviewed. The processing time may take up to 28 days. You’ll receive updates via your My Service Canada Account or by mail.
- Payment Start:
If your claim is approved, EI payments typically begin within two weeks after the processing period. Keep in mind that EI benefits are taxable and must be reported on your annual income tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main features of Canada’s EI benefits in 2025?
In 2025, eligible Canadians can receive up to $695 per week through Employment Insurance (EI), an increase from $668 in 2024. To qualify, applicants must have between 420 to 700 insurable hours, depending on their region’s unemployment rate, and must be actively job hunting. Applications can be submitted online or at Service Canada offices. Processing usually takes up to 28 days, and claimants are required to submit bi-weekly reports.
What types of support are included under Canada’s 2025 EI program?
The 2025 Employment Insurance program covers multiple benefit categories, including regular job loss, sick leave, caregiving, maternity, and parental support. It assists workers who’ve lost their employment for reasons beyond their control and have met the minimum insurable hour requirement. Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), EI claims can be submitted through Service Canada online or in-person, with a 28-day processing window. Payments are taxable. The maximum insurable earnings for 2025 have been raised to $65,700, up from $63,200 in 2024.
Who qualifies for EI payments in 2025?
To be eligible for Employment Insurance in 2025, you must have lost your job involuntarily (such as due to layoffs), accumulated 420 to 700 insured hours in the last year (based on your region’s unemployment rate), and be actively seeking employment. Meeting these criteria is essential for receiving weekly benefit payments.
How can I file for EI benefits, and when will I get paid?
To start your EI claim, collect your SIN, Record of Employment (ROE), bank account information, and recent job history. Submit your application via the Service Canada portal or visit a Service Canada Centre in person. Most claims are processed within 28 days, and if approved, your first payment typically arrives within two weeks after approval. EI income is subject to taxation, so remember to report it when filing your yearly taxes.