It has become easier to get unemployment benefits in Canada
However, the amount of payments decreased.
On 26 September, new changes to pandemic-related unemployment benefits will come into force. They will be in effect for one year.
Eligibility for benefits
To apply for unemployment benefits, you must have worked a certain number of hours in Canada. Previously, this number was 600, although it could vary from province to province. Now, it is enough to work 420 hours. This is because many workers faced layoffs during the pandemic and therefore may not have accumulated the required number of hours.
The 420-hour requirement will remain in effect until September 24, 2022.
If a person is unable to work due to illness, he must get a medical certificate. This item was cancelled last year because of COVID-19, but it has now been brought back.
Benefit amount
The minimum weekly payment is reduced from $500 to $300 CAD. The same amount is now paid to those who lose their job in the pandemic but for some reason are not eligible for unemployment benefit. The exact amount and duration of payments will be calculated on a province-by-province basis, depending on the local unemployment rate.
Seasonal workers in some regions are eligible for an additional 5 weeks of benefits until October 2022.
The allowance request is filed online.
Support for immigrants
If immigrants in Canada face hardship, unemployment benefits are not the only option. For those who have recently arrived, the government provides free support, such as help with finding a job, language and education courses and more. There are also many independent organisations which provide free food, accommodation, help with documents and finding a job.
