AmyDavid

As a temporary worker, my OH pays money into the above each week. Is he actually eligable to claim EI if he was laid off? Also, should we leave Canada (unlikely) what would happen to the money paid into the CPP?

Thanks

iaink

As a temporary resident I dont think you are eligiable for either. You are basically helping to bankrole those who are eligiable. Not 100% sure about the CPP though.

AmyDavid

So can we ask to not pay EI, like self employed people or will they just laugh at our request?!!

Souvenir

I'm self-employed. I don't pay EI. My accountant told me I have no chance of being able to claim on it. CPP is a tax, not a savings plan. I don't think the choice is yours on that one.

iaink

No chance I suspect, its a legal requirement for employers to pay it.... no matter what dbb says.

Steve_P

It would appear that yes he is eligible for EI.

Balance here: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaces...ceie_tfw.shtml

iaink

Thanks Steve, that rings a distant bell. Perhaps its welfare Im thinking about...

I was thinking about the CPP thing too. The money is associated with your SIN, and the balance transfered to your new account when you get PR (and a new non 9xx SIN).

Now, if you leave, Im not sure what happens to your balance, I suspect you lose it, but if you stay you will get credit for those contributions when you reach retirement age...

AmyDavid

Many thanks gents! Saves me a no doubt complicated telephone to Revenue Canada!

Steve_P

I can't find anything about return of CPP contributions either so I agree with you, I think you may just lose them if you leave.

AmyDavid

Just an after thought, as I can't seem to see where it mentions this on the link Steve gave me, how many hours do have to have worked before you can claim EI?

Souvenir

http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/e...r.shtml#Number

JonboyE

EI

As Steve_P has already said, EI benefits are available to temporary foreign workers. The eligibility criteria are the same as they are for citizens and PRs.

Employees must pay EI and it is the employer's responsibility to deduct EI premiums and remit these (together with the employer's contribution) to the CRA. Self-employed people do not pay EI, and are not entitled to EI benefits.

CPP

CPP contributions are not lost. Payments are based on contributions made, but anyone who has made at least one CPP contribution is entitled to claim their benefit. Your status while you are in Canada, and your country of residence when you claim are irrelevant. The important thing is that you must claim your benefit - it is not paid automatically.

Employers are required to deduct CPP contributions from all employees. Self employed people calculate the CPP they must pay when they complete their tax returns.

Island_Girl

Even teenages who work pt job here have to pay EI even though a teenager can not claim or collect EI as they are too young.

Island Girl

Steve_P

I never thought there was any lower age limit on claiming EI.

There a couple of reasons why they may not qualify but I didn't think age came into it.

Surrey Expat

If they work the qualifying 700 hours (which is a lot for a PT student) and are in regular employment (not a student) they can claim, so they would end up having to be over 16.