Employment Insurance Seminar Navigating the EI Claim Process for Teachers Teaching on Call BC Teachers Federation
Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory 2
Objectives The objective of this seminar is to provide teachers with the information they need to make effective, error-free applications for employment insurance. maximize their benefits. extend those benefits throughout the school year. 3
Outline Should I apply? Do I qualify? What are my benefits? How do I apply? How do I maintain my claim? How do I deal with problems? Summary. 4
Should I apply? Employment Insurance is an entitlement! You pay premiums. The employer pays premiums. EI equalizes and subsidizes low TTOC incomes. 5
Should I apply? EI is more than wage replacement, it covers non-teaching breaks. it covers slow periods. it provides sick leave to TTOCs. it covers sick days under regular benefits and an additional 15 weeks under sickness benefits. EI is the best insurance plan for TTOCs. 6
Do I qualify? To qualify, you 1. must have not worked for seven consecutive days in the past 52 weeks, or 2. must have completed a temporary contract (termination date of June 30 or earlier), and 3. must not have accepted a future contract (verbal or written acceptance), 7
Do I qualify? 4. must have enough hours new entrants or re-entrants (two years outside of work force) need 910 hours one teaching day equals 9.1 hours, TTOCs need 100 days subsequent claims or those using the Labour Force Attachment Period (490 hours) are based on the following formula: July 1 June 30 at least 490 hours the previous year July 1 June 30 at least 700 hours the following year. 8
Do I qualify? Formula for subsequent claims 9
What are the benefits? 1. 55% of average gross earnings over last 26 weeks maximum of $501 per week. e.g., $15,000/26 weeks = $576 $576 X 55% = $317 10
What are the benefits? 2. Weeks with gross earnings under $225 are not counted. e.g., 1 week worked only: 1 day = $213.90 + 3 1 week Spring Break (shortage of work) 1 week sick $15,000/23 X 55% = $359 (that s an additional $42 per week). 11
Working While on Claim (WWC) Effective August 5, 2012 until August 1, 2015, a new pilot project is in place which will change the way earnings are deducted. Under the Working While on Claim (WWC) pilot project, once you have served the waiting period, if your earnings are equal to, or less than, 90% of your weekly earnings that were used to calculate your benefit rate, your benefits will be reduced at a rate of 50% of your earnings each week. Any earnings that exceed this 90% threshold will be deducted dollar for dollar from your benefits. 12
Example Isabelle collects EI benefits. She receives the maximum amount allowed, which is $501 a week. During her benefit period, she finds part-time work for $10 an hour. She works 20 hours a week, earning a total of $200. Therefore, her benefits will be reduced by $100 ($200 x 50% = $100). She will be paid $401 (benefit rate $501 - $100 = $401). When you work and receive benefits at the same time, you must not combine the hours and earnings of more than one week. It is essential that you report your work earnings and hours during the week in which you worked. 13
Entitlement formula 14
How do I apply? Step 1 Record of Employment (ROE) School districts must issue a ROE to all TTOCs. Check your ROE online. It will be submitted electronically. Local presidents to ensure that ROEs are submitted for all TTOCs on the list. 15
How do I apply? Step 2 Check the accuracy The ROE is the single most important document in EI. You must verify first/last day worked total insurable hours total insurable earnings reason for issuing: code, comment, and date of recall unknown. 16
How do I apply? Step 3 When and where? You have up to four weeks after the last day worked. Apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca use the computer at your local Service Canada Centre to apply. Expect to receive benefits within 28 days from the day they receive your claim. 17
How do I apply? Step 4 Getting organized Have all your dates of employment for the last 52 weeks. Include weeks where you did not work and weeks where you worked and earned less than $225. 18
The Service Canada application process 19
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Home > Application for EI benefits 27
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Keeping your claim open Report your earnings and hours worked every two weeks. Let Service Canada know if you are out of the country, or if you are upgrading by taking a course. 63
How do I maintain my claim? Be available for work. Be actively seeking work e-mail, phone, or fax 5 7 employers per week use the job bank at www.jobbank.gc.ca fill out a Job Search log (attached) 64
How do I maintain my claim? Job search During non-teaching periods, search for nonteaching jobs. Must be unable to find work. Log results must read: No response, position filled, or nothing available. 65
The EI reporting process 66
Maintaining your claim with Service Canada Every two weeks you must report your work status and earnings. This is the Internet Reporting Service panel that you will see when you go to report. 67
Important information This panel provides you with further information about your report. You need to accept the statement by clicking on I accept. 68
Address and direct deposit changes If you have changed your address or direct deposit account since your last report, you will need to advise Service Canada. This kind of change may delay your next payment. 69
Internet reporting service These questions will be asked every time you do your report. Read them very carefully to make sure you answer correctly. 70
Additional Information Reporting your work and wages. If you worked at all and earned money during the two week period, you must report it. 71
Reporting your weekly work and wages You will need to report each week separately. You will also be asked if you began a full-time job during this period. If you accepted a contract during this period, you must answer Yes to the question. 72
Reporting your weekly work and wages You will need to report the number of hours that you worked and the gross amount that you earned. (This is the amount before any deductions.) 73
Reporting your weekly work and wages Each week is reported separately. After you have reported the first week, then you report hours worked and gross earnings for the second week. 74
Employer information Who did you work for in weeks one and two? The information is put in this panel. There is room for more than one employer if you worked for more than one employer during this two week period. 75
Stopped working During this twoweek period, have you stopped working for any employer? This would be if you were laid off, quit, or were fired. If you are just taking a couple of weeks off from working a part-time job, you haven t stopped working. 76
Recap of work and wages This is a recap of your answers to the questions on the previous panels. Check these answers and make sure they are correct. You can use the previous or back tab at the bottom of the page to correct any answer. This is also your confirmation that all the information is correct and you are stating that you are entitled to EI benefits. 77
The final panel Continuing with bi-weekly reporting This panel gives you tips on how to complete your reports biweekly. There is also information on job searches. 78
How do I deal with problems? 1. Audits Approximately 1/10 is audited going back five years. You will be asked to come to an interview or to mail in your job search log or a questionnaire. Avoid signing anything if you are not sure of the accuracy. Don t place restrictions on your availability. If interviewed, ask for a copy of the form. 79
How do I deal with problems? 2. Appeals You have the right to appeal unfair decisions use it! 3. For advice on appeals, contact: Sarbrinder Lalli, slalli@bctf.ca 604-871-1890 (local) 1-800-663-9163 (toll-free) 80
Summary You have a right to EI use it! Recordkeeping is essential. Double check everything days worked, pay, hours, etc. Follow the timelines carefully. Complete applications carefully and accurately. Contact: Sarb Lalli, slalli@bctf.ca, 604-871-1890 (local), 1-800-663-9163 (toll-free), if you have any questions/issues/concerns. 81
Please complete the feedback form for the BCTF. The EI reporting process Workshop title: EI Seminar Thank you 82