
Employment Insurance (EI) is a Canadian benefit that provides financial assistance to unemployed individuals who are able and willing to work and actively seeking employment. While there is no age limit for EI premium deductions, students under 18 may wonder if they are eligible for EI benefits and if they need to pay EI premiums.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do students under 18 pay EI? | There is no age limit for deducting EI premiums. Even if not eligible for Employment Insurance, once employed, it is required that it be deducted from the pay. |
| EI benefits | Students can continue to receive EI benefits while attending a full-time program at an approved educational institution. |
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What You'll Learn

Part-time work
Students under 18 who are working part-time may be eligible for EI benefits, but this depends on several factors. Firstly, EI benefits are generally intended for those who are unemployed and actively looking for full-time employment. Students must be able to prove that they are available for full-time work and willing to adjust their training or school schedule to accommodate a job offer. This means that students with a part-time job may be eligible for EI benefits if they are actively seeking full-time employment and their part-time work does not impede their job search or availability for full-time work.
In Canada, students must also meet specific criteria to be eligible for EI benefits. They must have received fewer than 35-36 weeks of EI benefits in the last 5 years and paid at least 30% of the maximum EI annual premium in 7 of the last 10 years. Additionally, students must report their work earnings and hours for each week they work, as some types of earnings will be deducted from their EI benefits. Students must also be enrolled in an approved educational institution and meet the institution's criteria for being considered a full-time student.
It is important to note that students cannot limit their work availability while on EI benefits. If they are taking courses or training, they must declare this and prove that they are still able and willing to work and actively looking for full-time employment. The number of hours spent in class or training is also considered, and if it exceeds a certain threshold (generally more than 10-15 hours per week), it may be seen as impeding the student's availability for work and affect their EI benefit eligibility.
The amount of EI benefits received is typically calculated as 55% of the individual's average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. This includes various types of compensation, such as wages, tips, bonuses, and commissions. Students should also be aware that EI benefits are taxable, and federal and provincial or territorial taxes will be deducted from their payments.
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EI premiums
Employment Insurance (EI) premiums are deducted from an employee's pay, and there is no age limit for these deductions. This means that even if you are under 18 years old and employed, EI premiums will be deducted from your pay. However, it's important to note that EI benefits are typically calculated based on an individual's average insurable weekly earnings. As of January 1, 2025, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $65,700, resulting in a maximum benefit of $695 per week.
EI benefits are available to those who can demonstrate that they are unemployed, willing to work, and actively seeking employment. To be considered for EI benefits, one must have accumulated a certain number of insurable hours in the previous 52 weeks or since their last claim. The number of weeks for which benefits are payable depends on the regional rate of unemployment. In regions with the highest unemployment rates, the calculation is based on the best 14 weeks of earnings.
It's worth mentioning that EI premiums are also the responsibility of employers. Employers must remit funds to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to cover both the employee and employer portions of EI premiums. The CRA determines what types of earnings are insurable, which can include wages, tips, bonuses, and commissions.
In certain cases, individuals may be eligible to receive EI benefits while simultaneously enrolled in a full-time educational program at an approved institution. To qualify for this, one must meet specific criteria, such as being a long-tenured worker and having paid a certain percentage of the maximum EI annual premium in the majority of the last ten years.
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EI benefits
EI, or Employment Insurance, is a benefit for unemployed Canadians who can demonstrate that they are able and willing to work and actively looking for suitable employment. EI benefits are calculated as 55% of the applicant's average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week. Insurable earnings include compensation from employment, such as wages, tips, bonuses, and commissions. The benefit period can range from 14 to 45 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in the applicant's region and the number of insurable hours accumulated in the last 52 weeks.
While there is no age limit for EI deductions from one's pay, it is unclear whether students under 18 are eligible for EI benefits. One source indicates that a part-time worker in Grade 12 may not be eligible for EI benefits. However, it is important to note that eligibility for EI benefits is based on specific criteria, including employment status and the number of insurable hours, rather than age or student status alone.
To be eligible for EI benefits, individuals must meet certain criteria and demonstrate their willingness to work. Those who are unemployed due to attending school or training programs may still be eligible for EI benefits under certain conditions. For example, individuals can request permission from Service Canada to take full-time training while receiving EI benefits. The training program must be offered by an approved educational institution in Canada, and individuals must be considered full-time students. Self-chosen training programs must be declared, and individuals must prove their willingness to work and adjust their training plans if necessary.
Additionally, EI benefits can be combined with other forms of financial assistance, such as student loans and grants. It is important to note that EI benefits are taxable, and federal and provincial or territorial taxes will be deducted from the payments.
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EI eligibility
EI, or Employment Insurance, is a benefit provided by the Canadian government to individuals who have lost their jobs after several years in the workforce. To be eligible for EI, individuals must meet specific criteria, including being unemployed, willing to work, and actively seeking suitable employment. While there is no age limit for EI deductions, eligibility for EI benefits depends on various factors.
In the context of students under 18, part-time employment may not qualify for EI benefits. However, once employed, EI deductions are mandatory, regardless of age. It is important to note that EI eligibility is not solely based on age but also on employment status and other criteria.
EI benefits are calculated based on an individual's average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2025, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $65,700, resulting in a maximum weekly benefit of $695. The number of weeks for which EI benefits are payable ranges from 14 to 45 weeks, depending on the regional unemployment rate and the number of insurable hours accumulated.
To receive EI benefits while attending a full-time program, individuals must obtain approval from Service Canada and meet specific criteria. These criteria include being eligible for EI regular benefits, being a long-tenured worker, and choosing a program offered by an approved educational institution in Canada.
It is important to note that EI eligibility and regulations may vary, and individuals should refer to the relevant government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their specific circumstances.
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Full-time training
If you are unemployed and receiving EI benefits, you may be able to continue receiving these benefits while taking a full-time training course. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be receiving or be eligible to receive EI regular benefits or fishing benefits.
- You must be a long-tenured worker, which means you have received fewer than 36 weeks of EI regular and/or fishing benefits in the last 5 years and paid at least 30% of the maximum EI annual premium in 7 of the last 10 years.
- You must choose a program offered by an approved educational institution located in Canada. The institution must be on the list of Designated Educational Institutions or Certified Educational Institutions.
- You must be considered a full-time student by the educational institution.
- You must request permission from Service Canada to take full-time training before the course start date. An agent will review your training information to ensure that you are eligible for benefits.
- You must pay for the training yourself.
If your request for full-time training is approved, you will not have to be available for work or look for work while attending your training course.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no age limit for deducting EI premiums. Even if you are not eligible to receive Employment Insurance, once you are employed, it is required that it be deducted from your pay.
EI stands for Employment Insurance.
For most people, the basic rate is 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week.
EI benefits are payments made to those who are unemployed, able and willing to work, and actively looking for suitable employment.
Yes, as of August 5, 2018, Service Canada may permit you to receive EI benefits while attending a full-time program at an approved educational institution.







































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