I have been on EI since november, been laid off because of our crappy economy but am due back to work next month.

But i had a question for those of you who have been on EI. Last weel,the company i work for that im laid off from, deposited some money in my bank account, its a year end bonus that everyone gets. Now im wondering, do you have to claim year end bonuses on your EI also? I wasnt expecting to get this from the company and now i have to put in my claim this week, i been trying to speak to a rep for EI on the phone but its always busy and they never pick up.

Any info on this is appreciated, thanks.

 

I'm pretty sure you have to claim it

 

yeah your suppose to claim if you got the stimulus check last year also. so yes you are.

 

damn.. Thats retarted, not much of a bonus of they just cut back ur cheque because of it

 

Short answer is yes to claim, but if look for some loop holes I'm sure you can get it so it wont take money from your EI payments, since its a bonus for when you were still working and has nothing to do with you being laid off. I'd go into a EI office and talk to someone about it.

 

Yes, the bonus is taxable income and you have to claim it.

If you don't, you'll get a letter from EI within a year or so telling you that you owe them money.

I just went through this at the end of last year. Don't waste your time, just claim it.

 

I dont think you do because they dont ask you when you are claiming your byweekly check,they just ask if you worked,thats a bounesand it aint looking good for me . it aint none of their bussiness anyway.I been laid off for 6 months now

 

im going to phone and talk with someone tomorow and see what they say. It was an automatic deposit from CP rail and i have a pay stub so there is proof i got this. Never know, i may be told i dont have to claim this which would be great

 

we did not get a "stimulus" cheque we do not live in the states if you didn't notice as regional section
and again your system is still diff than ours, but yes im pretty sure you still have to claim it ..any income at all they ask for

 

Damn, you too huh? I got laid off the beginning of February.....but i'm hopefully getting on at Red Bull this week.

 

WOOT. I dont have to claim it!

I talked to EI today and because this bonus is based on the production of the company last year and i get a certain amount based on what i earned while working last year, that EI cannot deduct it. If it was just a normal christmas bonus that everyone got no matter how much they worked then it would have to be deducted because then its not based on what i worked and earned.

But because its a production bonus the money is all mine!