Brothers & Sisters,
This E.I notice (below) is specifically for those that have been told to Self-Isolate by the Ford Motor Company or told to Self-Isolate/quarantine for 14 days by the Government when they returned to Canada.
- For those in self-isolation or quarantine (as indicated above) for the work week of Monday March 16th to Friday March 20th 2020 you will receive Short Work Week benefits for this specific week. (Therefore, you would not apply for E.I. Sickness benefits for this week)
- If you remain or are starting a self-isolation or quarantine as indicated for the week beginning Monday March 23rd complete the following E.I. SICKNESS application, as you will be required to apply for Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits to be compensated from this week forward.
This E.I Notice is not for you if you were at work last week and are on lay-off effective week beginning Monday March 23rd or your self-isolation/quarantine ended Monday March 23rd 2020. Instead you should be reading and follow instructions on our other post titled, “Employment Insurance Benefits- Sunday March 22- Saturday March 28th –Lay-off”.
Note: Under new federal legislation due to the COVID-19 outbreak, to compensate those in self-isolation or quarantine, the one week waiting period has been waived for individuals claiming E.I. Sickness Benefits and individuals can apply for EI without a medical certificate, as would normally be required.
In Solidarity,
Mark Sciberras Paul Ivey President, Unifor Local 707 Unifor Local 707 Unit#1 Benefit Representative
Employment Insurance “Sickness” Benefits
Please follow these basic guidelines to help ensure your Employment Insurance (EI) application goes smoothly.
Here is a checklist to assist you
1) Make an ONLINE application for EI Sickness Benefits on the Service Canada website.
2) Wait a MINIMUM of 3 days or until you receive a PIN code in the mail.
3) Go ONLINE to the Service Canada website and Report your earnings during the time frame asked.
The Reference Code provided to Unifor Local 707 members that are affected by our temporary lay-off Sunday March 22nd to Saturday March 28th, 2020 may NOT be used for those Local 707 members who are applying for EI Sickness Benefits due to quarantine or self-isolation.
Important Notes
- Given the current state of the Country and the amount of EI claims being submitted, expect delays in processing your claim
- The EI application ONLINE, is VERY slow due to a high volume of applications being submitted throughout Canada at any given time.
- Ensure you write down the TEMPORARY CODE when prompted to do so, this temporary code will allow you to go back into your application, if you are kicked off the website.
- Once you have made application to apply for EI Sick benefits, if you have any questions or an issue with your claim, you can call Service Canada’s 1-833-381-2725. (Note: This Coronavirus dedicated phone number is only for those who are sick, in self-isolation or quarantine). Do not use if you are applying or have questions about regular Employment Insurance Benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (not related to Employment Insurance “Sickness” Benefits)
What should I do if I have been told to quarantine or Self-Isolate?
If you have recently returned to Canada, the Government of Canada has indicated that you are required to self-isolate. This self-isolation for 14 days should start from the date you returned to Canada. Once in self-Isolation or quarantine you should immediately call the Oakville Assembly Plant at 905-845-2511, Human Resources department.
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits
The purpose of this notification is to provide the necessary information to file for Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits for any active Unifor Local 707 Unit #1 (Ford) members that remain or were under quarantine or self-isolation on after March 23rd ,2020.
(Read the following information very carefully, so that you clearly understand your rights and responsibilities when applying for E.I.)
There are two steps involved in the EI process. One, you must apply for EI Benefits. Two, you must report your earnings and your return to work date.
Eligibility
If you were out of the country and therefore under quarantine by government pandemic guidelines or you were in self-isolation for reasons outlined by Service Canada or were sent home and told to self-isolate by the Ford Motor Company, you may choose to apply EI Sickness Benefits.
Note: If you are in receipt Sickness and Accident (S&A) or WSIB payments, DO NOT apply for EI Benefits at this time.
Additional Information
Please note you will be asked to provide your last day worked or paid, which will vary, but for many, it may be Friday March 20th, 2020 (Note: those in self-isolation for the week beginning Monday March 16th to will be paid Short Week Benefits until Friday March 20th, 2020). After March 23rd 2020, for those who worked during the week, please reflect the last day worked correctly, and remember any earnings for work performed may exceed any allowable earnings for E.I. purposes.
The Ford Motor Company of Canada will submit a Record of Employment (ROE) electronically to Service Canada on your behalf; therefore, you do not need to request copies from Ford payroll.
If Service Canada informs you of an ROE error, I suggest that you send an email to pivey@ford.com Your email should state that you have applied for EI Sickness Benefit and the reason why (Quarantine or self-isolation). Also include your last day worked. I can then request a corrected ROE from payroll on your behalf.
Shortly after you complete the application online you will receive a 4-digit Personal Access Code in the mail to use for completing your reports either by phone or online. It is important to complete your reports, for all the time you were unpaid, in a timely manner, 3 weeks is considered timely. This 4-digit Personal Access Code is yours for life and will not change. Though you may use it to report, you must wait until your application is processed. This means WAIT at least 3 days before attempting to make your report.
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE “SICKNESS” BENEFITS- FILING PROCEDURES
STEP 1
(Read the following information very carefully, so that you clearly understand your rights and responsibilities when applying for Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits)
Online Employment Insurance Application
Employment Insurance is and has always been a government program administrated by a federal branch currently known as Service Canada, which determines how unemployed in Canada apply and receive benefits based on the Employment Insurance Act. Service Canada determines how application is made by a claimant, which is why it is your responsibility to apply for Employment Insurance online.
To Complete an Application Online go to:
Once on the Service Canada Website click “English” then once on the appropriate page click “HOME”
Next, click “BENEFITS”.
Next, click “Employment Insurance”.
Next, click “Sickness Benefits”.
Next, click “Apply”. click “Apply online now”
Note: Should you have problems finding the web page, do a “Google” search for “Service Canada”. Once you have found the appropriate page, prior to starting your EI Application you should know or have:
- Required personal information for the EI application
You will be asked for, and should have on hand, your Social Insurance Number, the correct spelling of your Mother’s maiden name (last name upon her birth) and any banking information for direct deposit purposes, this is optional and only necessary if the information has changed since last in receipt of benefits, or if not set up with Service Canada.
- Required employment information for the EI application
The Ford Motor Company of Canada will submit a Record of Employment (ROE) electronically to Service Canada on your behalf; therefore, you do not need to request copies from the Ford Motor Company.
- Reactivating or terminating a previous EI claim
If you already have started and established an Employment Insurance claim for benefits within the past 52 weeks and there are weeks still payable, that claim will automatically be reactivated when you complete the EI application online.
- The Privacy Notice Statement / start your EI application
Read the privacy statement and scroll down the page and “Click” Start Application
Start to Finish Step by Step Instructions
Introduction – are you retrieving an application?
If you had attempted an application within the last 72 hours you will be given an opportunity to retrieve any information you had previously inputted by entering your personal information as well as the temporary password which was presented when you started that application. If you are not retrieving a previous application select No and “click” Continue…
Type of Employment Insurance Application
When asked what type of Employment Insurance benefits would you like to claim?
Select: Benefits for employees
“Click” Continue…
Reference Code
Answer “NO”. “Click” Continue…
Benefit Type
Answer “Sickness benefits”. “Click” Continue…
Read the Sick Benefit information. “Click” Continue…
Identity Information
Input you’re Social Insurance Number, your Birthday, Last Name, First Name, Last Name at Birth, Gender and your Mother’s Maiden Name (Mother’s Family Name at her Birth). “Click” Continue…
Identity validation
Review Identity information to ensure you have provided the correct information.
If correct “Click” Continue….
Temporary Password Identification Number
After inputting your personal information, you will be given a temporary password identification number. Write down this code as this is the number they will ask for if for any reason you are unable to complete this application and are required to retrieve it for completion within 72 hours. “Click” Continue….
Personal Information
Enter which language you would prefer to speak English or French, your Phone Number and or email. Then enter your Postal Code. “Click” retrieve address. Enter your Home Address and whether or not your Home Address is different from your Mailing Address. “Click” Continue….
Programs and Services
Answer as appropriate. “Click” Continue….
Income tax information
Choose to access my MSCA or have paper copy mailed to you
Choose basic or basic and spouse (my suggestion is basic). “Click” Continue….
Direct Deposit
If you had previously set up direct deposit, for which no information has changed, and answer YES to the questions and any benefit you are to receive will be directly deposited into your account. If you have not previously elected the direct deposit option, or wish to change the information currently on file at Service Canada, you should have a cheque on hand in order to reference the banking information needed. “Click” Continue…
Other Personal Information
Provide your highest level of education completed using the drop down menu.
Are you a member of a union or Professional Association? Answer “YES”
Name of Union: Unifor
Local: Local 707
“Click” Continue…
Last Employer Information
Business name of your most recent Employer: Ford Motor Company. Phone number is (905) 845-2511.
First day worked is an optional question that is not required to be answered, but you may enter your Seniority Date if you wish.
Last Day Worked: the last day for which you worked or were paid.
(Important note: Paid– includes last day paid Short Work Week Benefits)
Will you be returning to work with this employer? YES
Do you know the date of your return?
YES – If you know you are able to return to work
or
NO – If you are uncertain at this point
“Click” Continue….
Reason for Separation
Choose: I am on sick leave. (includes illness, injury, quarantine, surgery, recovery, and medical leave of absence). “Click” Continue….
Rate of Pay
Enter you hourly rate. Enter per hour. Note: use a pay stub for reference “Click” Continue….
Sickness Benefit
Are you covered under a sickness benefit plan….? Answer “YES”
Have you exhausted all….? Answer “YES”…“Click” Continue…
Job Title Information
Enter your title. Most (and the easiest answer) will be to enter “assembler”. “Click” search job titles…
Scroll down to Assembler – Automobiles (9522)…“Click” Continue….
ROE Information – Last Employer
Choose the second option. “I have requested or will request…” “Click” Continue…
Other Employers
If you had another employer in the last 52 weeks then answer “YES” otherwise answer “NO”…
“Click” Continue….
Missing ROE message
Read the message. “Click” Continue…
Medical Information
Do you have an injury due to motor vehicle accident – “YES” or “NO” as appropriate. Note: The answer should be “NO” for everyone, as your would be applying for our Sickness and Accident Benefits through Canada Life (AKA- Great West Life Assurance)… “Click” Continue…
Information on Quebec Parental
Unless you have received benefits from QPIP, you should answer “NO”… Click” Continue…
Worker’s Compensation Payments
Unless you have received money from WSIB, you should answer “NO”… Click” Continue…
Information on Pensions
Unless you are receiving a pension, you should answer “NO”… Click” Continue…
Business Relationship Information
Answer the following as they apply to you specifically but most people will answer “NO”
Family relationship with employer – Are you related… “NO”
Shareholder in a corporation for which you worked – “NO”
Sole owner or partner in a business for which you worked – “NO”
“Click” Continue…
Variable Best Weeks
Below is the how the majority of the membership should answer. However, if you worked less than (19-23) weeks then answer YES and “Click” continue…
You will be asked,” In the last year did you work less than (19-23) weeks? (i.e.: 52 weeks leading up to July 1st, 2019) if the answer is NO,
You will be asked, “Did your earnings vary over the last 53 weeks?” If the answer is YES (which it should be for everyone.)
You will be asked” Were your average gross Weekly earnings (before deductions) in the last 53 weeks equal to or greater than $1021.00? Answer YES. “Click” Continue…
Workforce History
Answer the following as they apply to you specifically but most people will answer “NO” with the following exceptions:
In receipt of Workers Compensation? – NO
Unable to work for medical reasons? – YES (it will ask you for start and end dates)
Start date – enter the first date you were ill, under quarantine or began self-isolation
End date – leave this blank and continue to the next questions
In receipt of wage loss insurance benefits? – NO
Unable or prevented from working due to labour dispute (strike or lockout)? – NO
On a training course to which you were referred by a designated authority? – NO
In jail? – NO
In receipt of a payment from the Wage Earner Protection Program? – NO
“Click” Continue…
The next questions should be answered to your personal situation. Answer each as it applies to you.
Self-Employment Information
Are you self-employed, other than fishing or farming? – NO
Farming Information
Do you or will you declare farming income on your income tax return? – NO
Course or training program
Are you taking or will you be taking a course or training program? – NO
Third Party Assistance
Answer whether or not someone else completed the application on your behalf.
“Click” Continue….
Rights and Responsibilities
You will now be asked to review the Rights and Responsibilities section, consisting of 6 pages. Your responsibilities are outlined beginning page 3.
To continue application, select; I accept Rights and Responsibilities. “Click” Continue….
Attestation
A statement in which you indicate you completed the application truthfully; you understand the Rights and Responsibilities while applying for Employment Insurance Regular Benefits and that you understand by knowing making a false statement you are subject to penalty or criminal proceedings.
Accept the Statement and complete the Application. “Click” Continue…
Confirmation and Information
The application is now complete and you will be given an opportunity to print out or write down a confirmation number.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your EI claim or application you can access your EI account online by signing up for My Service Canada Account.
If it is necessary to call the inquiry line at 1-833-381-2725.
IMPORTANT
STEP 2-
Employment Insurance Reporting
Shortly after you complete the application online you will receive a Personal Access Code # in the mail to use for completing your reports either by phone or online. It is important to complete your reports, and accurately report for all the time you were laid-off, in a timely manner, to establish an Employment Insurance waiting period or receive an Employment Insurance benefit.
Once you have your Personal Access Code, go online and report. You should report for the time as prompted. Please make note that reports are 2-week blocks. In most cases, when asked if you had earnings in this time frame, you answer ‘YES’. You will then be prompted for earnings in each week.
Before making your report check back to this website. Further instructions may be available. In any event, when reporting to EI, always report accurately any earnings you may have during the reporting period.
In solidarity,
Paul Ivey Tim Batke
UNIFOR Local 707 Unit# 1 Alternate Benefit Representative
Benefit Representative
March 23rd, 2020
