As Canadians continue to face economic uncertainties, the federal government’s Employment Insurance (EI) program has become a critical source of support. In July 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) confirmed that eligible individuals may receive up to $695 per week through EI benefits—a much-needed safety net for those temporarily out of work.
Whether you’ve been laid off, experienced reduced hours, or are dealing with illness or caregiving duties, knowing how EI works can help protect your financial health during uncertain times.
What Is CRA Employment Insurance (EI)? [CRA EI overview 2025]
Employment Insurance (EI) is a federally administered temporary income support program designed for working Canadians who have lost income due to job disruptions. It offers weekly payments to help cover essential living expenses while individuals search for new employment or recover from qualifying personal situations.
The program supports Canadians who are:
- Laid off or facing reduced work hours
- Temporarily unable to work due to sickness or injury
- On maternity, parental, or caregiving leave
In 2025, EI pays 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, with a maximum weekly payout of $695.
Key EI Benefit Details for 2025
Here’s a quick breakdown of the EI benefit structure in July 2025:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Weekly Payment | $695 |
| Benefit Rate | 55% of average weekly earnings |
| Max Insurable Earnings | $65,700 annually |
| Required Work Hours | 420–700 hours (varies by region) |
| Waiting Period | Waived (March 30–Oct 11, 2025) |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly, via direct deposit |
| Application Method | Online at Canada.ca/EI |
These details form the foundation for understanding how much you may receive and how to plan accordingly.
Who Is Eligible for EI in July 2025?
To receive up to $695 per week through EI, you must meet these eligibility criteria:
- Lost your job through no fault of your own, such as layoffs or company closure
- Worked 420 to 700 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks or since your last EI claim
- Actively searching for employment and willing to accept suitable job offers
- Not self-employed, unless you’re part of a special EI program for self-employed individuals
These requirements ensure that EI benefits go to those who have been contributing to the system and are actively engaged in the labor market.
How Is the $695 Weekly EI Benefit Calculated?
The core formula is simple:
EI Weekly Benefit = 55% × Average Weekly Insurable Earnings
Example:
If your average weekly income before job loss was $1,200, your EI benefit would be:
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55% × $1,200 = $660/week
To receive the maximum $695/week, your earnings must have been at least $1,263.46/week before your claim.
Extra Help: The EI Family Supplement [CRA EI Family Supplement 2025]
If your annual family income is below $25,921 and you receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you may qualify for the Family Supplement. This add-on can:
- Increase your benefit rate up to 80% of your average weekly earnings
- Still cap your maximum weekly payment at $695
This supplement is especially beneficial for low-income families with children.
What’s New in July 2025? [EI July 2025 rule changes]
The government has introduced temporary enhancements to make EI more accessible during a period of economic recovery:
- No waiting period: Payments start immediately after claim approval (for claims between March 30 and October 11, 2025)
- Severance and vacation pay will not delay EI benefits
- Lower entry threshold: Unemployment rate in your region is increased by 1%, with a minimum threshold of 7.1%
These updates reduce barriers to access and help Canadians receive financial assistance sooner.
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Documents Required
Before starting your application, gather the following:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Record of Employment (ROE) from each employer
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Recent employment and contact details
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Apply online at Canada.ca/EI as soon as your employment ends.
- Do not delay—waiting more than 4 weeks could lead to loss of benefits.
- Set up direct deposit to ensure faster payments.
- Keep a copy of your confirmation page or reference number.
Ongoing Reporting Requirement: Biweekly Updates
To continue receiving payments, claimants must submit a report every two weeks through My Service Canada Account.
You’ll need to confirm:
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- That you’re available and actively looking for work
- Any earnings or hours worked during the reporting period
- Any changes in circumstances (e.g., returning to work, illness)
Missing or incorrect reports can delay or suspend your payments, so stay diligent.
Additional Types of EI Support [Types of EI benefits in Canada 2025]
EI isn’t limited to job loss. Canadians can also apply for support in these situations:
- EI Sickness Benefit – For temporary illness or injury preventing you from working
- EI Maternity and Parental Benefits – For pregnancy, birth, or adoption-related leave
- EI Caregiving Benefit – For caring for critically ill or injured family members
Each stream has unique eligibility requirements, but the application process and documents are similar.
Why the $695 Weekly EI Benefit Matters in 2025
The EI benefit of up to $695 per week is more than just a temporary payment—it’s a financial lifeline during times of transition.
It helps cover:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Grocery and utility bills
- Transportation and healthcare costs
- Childcare and education expenses
By maintaining a steady source of income, EI lets you focus on finding your next job or recovering from a difficult personal circumstance—without the immediate pressure of financial hardship.
Real-Life Example
Jasmine, a 34-year-old hotel manager in Calgary, was recently laid off due to a seasonal slowdown. She had earned around $1,300/week for the past year and had 620 insurable hours.
She applied for EI right after her last workday. With the waiting period waived, she started receiving $695/week within two weeks of applying.
The benefit allowed Jasmine to cover her rent and student loan payments while actively searching for new roles in the hospitality sector.
Final Thoughts: Act Quickly to Protect Your Financial Stability
If you’ve recently lost your job, don’t wait. The CRA Employment Insurance program is built to help you bridge the gap and remain financially secure.
By:
- Applying immediately
- Gathering your documents
- Using direct deposit
- Reporting biweekly
You can make sure you receive the maximum benefit available to you under current EI rules.
With the government’s temporary changes valid until October 11, 2025, now is the time to act.
FAQs
Q1. When will the $695 weekly EI payments begin?
Payments begin immediately after claim approval, thanks to the waived waiting period (valid until October 11, 2025).
Q2. How many hours do I need to qualify for EI?
Between 420 and 700 insurable hours within the last 52 weeks, depending on your region’s unemployment rate.
Q3. Is EI only for job loss?
No. EI also supports individuals on maternity, parental, sickness, or caregiving leave through specialized benefit streams.