Difference between revisions of "Benefit Period of Employment Insurance (8:V)"

== C. Income That is Treated as Earnings ==

Section 35(2) of the ''EI Regulations'' defines what will be considered earnings for EI purposes.   

Income that counts as “earnings” includes, but is not limited to:

:a) wages, salary, or commission;

:b) retirement pension;

:c) bonuses and gratuities;

:d) severance pay;

:e) vacation pay;

:f) workers’ compensation payments;

:g) group wage-loss insurance.

It is important to note that some income, while generally considered as earnings, will not prevent an interruption of earnings. For example, receiving severance pay or vacation pay following a layoff will not delay the occurrence of an interruption of earnings. The claimant should still apply for EI as soon as possible after they stop working to make sure their application is not late, even if the money they get from the employer due to the layoff may delay the start of their actual EI benefits.

Although the claimant will need to wait until the received funds are exhausted before being eligible to receive benefits, '''they must still apply for EI immediately'''. In such cases, the benefit period will be extended to make up for the weeks it takes to use up these earnings.

== D. Income That Is Not Treated as Earnings ==