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Fishing Benefits
Employment Insurance (EI) frequently asked questions
- What is a fisher?
- When do I qualify for fishing benefits?
- How long can I receive fishing benefits?
- How much will I receive?
- Will the earnings from an other employment than fisher be considered in the calculation of my benefits?
- What is the maximum income that I can earn without reimbursing during the income tax time?
- What is a fisher?
A fisher is a self-employed person engaged in fishing.
top - When do I qualify for fishing benefits?
In most cases, you may qualify for fishing benefits once you earned between $2,500 and $4,200.
top - How long can I receive fishing benefits?
You can receive fishing benefits for up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
top - How much will I receive?
The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a maximum payment of $457 per week. If you are in a low-income family, an income of less than $25,921, with children and you receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB), your benefit rate could be higher than 55%, however, the maximum payment will not change. Please see the Family Supplement.
top - Will the earnings from an other employment than fisher be considered in the calculation of my benefits?
Yes, the earnings of the last 26 weeks of that other employment will be considered as long as they are contained in the fishing qualifying period of 31 weeks.
top - What is the maximum income that I can earn without reimbursing during the income tax time?
If your net income exceeds $54,000, in 2010 you will be required to repay 30% of the lesser of:
- your net income in excess of $54,000; or
- the total Fishing benefits, including regular benefits, paid in the taxation year.
Exemption
The following people are exempt from the benefit repayment provisions:
- First time claimants; or
- Claimants paid maternity, parental, sickness or compassionate care benefits only.
