Not being able to work or having to work less can be a problematic and stressful venture to someone. However, this news is good in case you live in Canada because CRA has implemented Employment Insurance (EI) which is worth $695 a week, and you can partly cool your financial worries with it in June 2025.
This scheme is for those who are temporarily unemployed, looking for work or out of work due to health, maternity or care responsibilities. This article will give you all the necessary information about this new EI scheme, so that you can take advantage in time.
A Brief Overview of Employment Insurance
EI is a temporary income support scheme that provides weekly financial assistance to eligible Canadian citizens in the event of their unemployment . This is also provided when one is ill, pregnant on leave or one is taking care of somebody in the family.
In short:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $695 |
| Benefit rate | 55% of average insurable earnings |
| Maximum insurable earnings | $65,700 per year |
| Minimum required work hours | 420–700 hours (depending on region) |
| Waiting period | Waived (March 30 to October 11, 2025) |
| Apply | Online – at Canada.ca |
| Next payment date | Weekly after claim approval |
Who is eligible?
As long as, in June 2025 you are entitled to receive EI benefits when:
- You were late due to a reason beyond your control (e.g. lay off, season closure, restructuring of the company etc.)
- You have performed 420 to 700 hours of insurable work in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim.
- You are available for work and are actively looking for a job.
- You are not self-employed (unless you have registered for EI Special Benefits).
How is the $695 weekly payment calculated?
The calculation formula is simple:
Weekly EI = 55% of your average insurable earnings
(but up to a maximum of $695 per week)
Example:
- If your weekly earnings were $1,200, then:
- 55% x $1,200 = $660 per week EI benefit
You will only receive the maximum $695 if your earnings were $1,263.46 per week or more.
Family Supplement
You might qualify to get the Family Supplement in case you have an annual family income below 25921 and you are taking the Canada Child Benefit.
This can take your weekly rate up to 80%, although it will also be limited to a maximum of $695.
What’s new in June 2025?
- From 30 March to 11 October 2025, the government has made some temporary changes:
- No Waiting Week: There’s no longer a wait required to get paid.
There will be no deductions for severance or holiday money.
Waited Entry Requirement: Calculated by increasing your area’s unemployment rate by 1% (minimum 7.1%), making it easier to qualify.
How to apply for $695 weekly EI?
The documents you will require are the following:
- SIN Social Insurance Number
- Record of Employment (ROE) represented by each of his employers in the past 1 year
- Bank information – for Direct Deposit
- Personal details and job history
Application process:
- Apply online at Canada.ca/EI
- Apply within 4 weeks of the job ending – you may lose benefits if you delay.
Submit a biweekly report
Every two weeks, you must submit a report that shows:
- What work you did (if any)
- Whether you were available and actively looking for a job
If you don’t submit this report on time, your payment process may be stopped.
Tips to maximize benefits
- Apply early: Even if you have doubts about whether you are eligible.
- Estimate your benefits with the EI Calculator on Canada.ca.
- Hold on to your ROE: Ask your employers for it as soon as possible.
- Check your email and My Service Canada Account regularly.
Related EI benefits
EI is not limited to job loss. You may also be eligible for the following special benefits:
- EI Sickness Benefit – in the event of illness or injury
- EI Maternity/Parental Benefit – during pregnancy or after childbirth
- EI Caregiving Benefit – for caring for a seriously ill family member
Each stream has its own terms and conditions, but many match standard EI entitlements.
Final thoughts
The $695 weekly Employment Insurance introduced by the CRA in June 2025 is a lifesaving program that provides financial support to Canadians during difficult times. The plan has simplified eligibility and increased weekly limits to make it even more effective.
Whether you are unemployed, have been reduced in hours, or intend to rejoin the workforce the sooner you do, the better.
Send in your application now, collect the related papers, make your reports within the expected time, and understand your rights.
FAQs
Q1: What is the $650 Weekly Employment Insurance (EI) program?
A: It is a short-term income support program from the Canadian government that provides up to $650 per week to eligible unemployed individuals starting in June 2025.
Q2: How is the $650 EI amount calculated?
A: The benefit equals 55% of your average insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $650/week.
Q3: What is the maximum insurable earnings (MIE) limit for 2025?
A: The MIE is $65,700/year. To receive the full $650/week, you must have earned at least $1,181.82/week before job loss.
Q4: Is there a waiting period before I start receiving payments?
A: No. From March 30 to October 11, 2025, the waiting week is waived, meaning benefits start immediately after approval.
Q5: How do I apply for Employment Insurance in June 2025?
A: You can apply online via the Canada.ca/EI portal. You’ll need your SIN, Record of Employment (ROE), banking details, and work history.
