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As Canadians continue to navigate economic challenges, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that eligible individuals may receive up to $695 per week in Employment Insurance (EI) during July 2025 and beyond.
This vital support helps those who are temporarily out of work due to layoffs, reduced hours, or specific life circumstances like sickness or caregiving.
If you’ve recently lost your job through no fault of your own, understanding how the EI program works could provide financial stability during your transition.
What Is CRA Employment Insurance (EI)?
Employment Insurance (EI) is a temporary income support program offered by the federal government to help Canadians facing job interruptions. It covers:
- Job loss or reduced hours
- Illness or injury
- Maternity, parental, or caregiving leave
In 2025, EI pays 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week.
Quick Overview: 2025 EI Benefits
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Max Weekly Payment | $695 |
| Benefit Rate | 55% of average weekly earnings |
| Max Insurable Earnings | $65,700 annually |
| Work Hours Required | 420 to 700 hours (varies by region) |
| Waiting Period | Waived (March 30–Oct 11, 2025) |
| Payment Frequency | Weekly, via direct deposit |
| Application | Online |
Who Is Eligible for EI in July 2025?
To qualify for the $695/week EI benefit, you must:
- Have lost your job through no fault of your own (e.g., layoffs, seasonal closure)
- Accrued 420–700 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks or since your last claim
- Be actively looking for work and ready to accept suitable employment
- Not be self-employed (unless registered for special EI benefits)
How Is the $695 Calculated?
The EI benefit is calculated as:
EI Weekly Benefit = 55% × Average Weekly Insurable Earnings
Example:
If your previous income was $1,200/week, your EI would be:
55% × $1,200 = $660/week
To qualify for the full $695, your earnings must have been at least $1,263.46/week before losing your job.
Extra Support: Family Supplement
If your family income is under $25,921 and you receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you may be eligible for the Family Supplement, which can increase your EI rate up to 80% of your average earnings—still capped at $695/week.
What’s New in July 2025? Temporary Rule Enhancements
From March 30 to October 11, 2025, the government introduced temporary improvements:
- No waiting period – Payments start immediately after approval
- Severance and vacation pay do not delay benefits
- Lower entry threshold – An added 1% to your region’s unemployment rate applies (minimum 7.1%)
These changes make it easier for Canadians to qualify and access payments faster.
How to Apply for Employment Insurance
Documents Needed:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Record of Employment (ROE) from each employer
- Banking details for direct deposit
- Contact and work history
Application Steps:
- Apply online at Canada.ca/EI immediately after your last workday.
- Do not wait more than 4 weeks to apply or you may lose benefits.
- Set up direct deposit for faster payments.
Biweekly Reporting: Required for Ongoing Payments
Every two weeks, you must submit a report confirming:
- Availability for work
- Job search activity
- Any income earned
Use your My Service Canada Account to avoid interruptions.
Additional EI Programs Available
The EI system supports various life situations:
- EI Sickness – For illness/injury preventing work
- EI Maternity/Parental – For pregnancy and caregiving
- EI Caregiving – For caring for critically ill family
Each benefit requires a separate application, but the process and documents are similar.
The $695 CRA Employment Insurance benefit in 2025 is more than just a paycheck—it’s a lifeline for individuals navigating job loss or reduced hours.
By applying early, keeping your documents ready, and reporting biweekly, you can make sure you receive the full support available to you.
With the government’s temporary rule changes, qualifying is easier, and payments arrive faster. Don’t delay—apply as soon as your employment ends to protect your financial well-being.
FAQs
When will the $695 weekly EI payments begin?
Payments begin immediately after claim approval, thanks to the waived waiting period (until October 11, 2025).
How many hours do I need to qualify for EI?
Between 420 and 700 insurable hours within the past 52 weeks, depending on your regional unemployment rate.
Is EI only for job loss?
No. EI also supports maternity, sickness, parental, and caregiving situations through specialized benefit streams.