EI Ontario and Working: The Not-So-Secret Side Hustle Guide (Because Adulting is Expensive)
Let's face it, Ontario friends, that EI cheque might keep the fridge stocked with ramen, but it ain't exactly a luxury cruise lifestyle. So, what's a resourceful unemployed person to do? Enter the glorious world of the side hustle! But before you go all Elon Musk and hustle 24/7, there's this little thing called EI rules to consider.
 |
| How Many Hours Can You Work While On Ei Ontario |
The Plot Thickens: How Much Work is Too Much Work?
Here's the deal: there's no magic number of hours that says "EI police, activate!" It's all about the earnings. Canada's EI system has this nifty (or not so nifty, depending on your perspective) rule called the earnings threshold.
Here's the lowdown:
- You get to keep 50 cents of every dollar you earn, up to 90% of your pre-unemployment weekly earnings. Basically, you get a pat on the back for trying and a little extra cash to jingle in your pocket.
- Go above 90%, and EI starts playing whack-a-mole with your benefits, deducting them dollar for dollar. So, if you accidentally become a millionaire while walking dogs, well, you might not need EI anymore.
- Full-time work (generally 30+ hours a week) is a whole other beast. It usually means sayonara to EI benefits for that period. But hey, on the bright side, you have a full-time job! Congratulations!
Important Note: Always report your earnings to Service Canada when filing your EI reports. Honesty is the best policy, and it avoids any nasty surprises down the road.
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
So, How Many Hours Can I Actually Work?
Alright, alright, enough suspense. Here's the real answer: it depends. It depends on your pre-unemployment earnings and how much you're willing to give Uncle Sam (or rather, Uncle Canada) a cut.
Let's do some quick math (because who doesn't love a good math joke?):
- Imagine you earned $1000 a week before you became unemployed.
- The 90% threshold would be $900.
- So, you can technically earn up to $900 without affecting your EI benefits (but remember, you only keep half of that).
But remember, this is just a basic example.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
Moral of the story? Do some calculations based on your own situation. There are handy online tools from the government to help you out too.
FAQ: EI Ontario and the Side Hustle
Q: How to calculate my 90% earnings threshold?
A: Service Canada has a handy EI earnings calculator on their website. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/canada-pension-plan-cpp-employment-insurance-ei-rulings/cpp-ei-explained/canada-pension-plan-employment-insurance-explained-8.html
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
 |
Q: How to report my earnings to Service Canada?
A: You can report your earnings through your My Service Canada Account or by mail. Check out the Service Canada website for details. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/canada-pension-plan-cpp-employment-insurance-ei-rulings/cpp-ei-explained/canada-pension-plan-employment-insurance-explained-8.html
Q: Is there anything else I should consider besides earnings?
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
A: Absolutely! Make sure your side hustle doesn't interfere with your job search efforts. You still gotta actively look for work to keep those EI benefits rolling.
Q: What if I'm not sure if my side hustle is okay under EI rules?
A: If you're unsure, contact Service Canada directly. They're there to help!
Q: Can I work for myself while on EI?
A: Yes, you can! But there might be some additional rules depending on your situation. Service Canada has more information on self-employment and EI.
Now, go forth, Ontario! Conquer the side hustle world, but remember, EI is there to support your job search, so keep it reasonable. Happy hustling!
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
