Unemployment Insurance Repayment

[phifehinds]

Hey guys, I was hoping someone could help to clarify the rules regarding unemployment insurance repayment. ( http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/ei/informa...epayment.shtml )

In April of 2008, I will probably get laid off and work won't be available until December 2008. So I want to get benefits for that time period. I will have worked enough hours by then to qualify for 6 months of benefits.

When I return to work my salary will be about 4600 a month (before tax deductions).

I have never claimed benefits before this.

Will I have to pay anything back? Because in the tax year of 2008 I will not make 48000. But I will make more than that in the tax year of 2009.

[asdfvcx]

From your link:

You do not have to repay your EI benefits:

• If you received less than 1 week of regular or fishing benefits in the preceding 10 taxation years, or since June 30, 1996; or

Since you've never received benefits, you won't have to repay.

[phifehinds]

What if I did receive benefits prior to this. Does the 48000 rule only apply if I make more than 48000 and claim benefits in the same tax year or do I have to repay even if I make more than 48000 in the next tax year, or the year after....


I hope this makes sense...

[kitbor]

What if I did receive benefits prior to this. Does the 48000 rule only apply if I make more than 48000 and claim benefits in the same tax year or do I have to repay even if I make more than 48000 in the next tax year, or the year after....


I hope this makes sense...

For 2008, you don't have to repay if your income, including the EI benefit, is lower than $48,750. How much you make in year 2009 is irrelevant.

[phifehinds]

Ok. This makes more sense now. Ok, sorry! one more question. What if I were to take a job in the US (or any other country for that matter) and I have claimed benefits that year AND I make more than 48,750, but I make that income outside of Canada.

The reason I'm asking so many questions about EI is that my job goes from contract to contract and they usually last 6 months to a year. So... I will probably claiming EI quite frequently throughout my career.

I'm just trying to make sure I'm not going to run into any problems. Thanks for the answers people.