The Canada workers benefit: money low-income gig workers often miss
Self-employment income counts toward the Canada workers benefit, a refundable credit worth up to $1,633 for single people for 2025. Who qualifies and why you have to file to get it.
When you drive for an app, nobody deducts EI premiums from your pay, so you can't claim regular EI if the work dries up. But there's a voluntary program that gives self-employed people access to EI special benefits.
What it covers
- Maternity benefits
- Parental benefits
- Sickness benefits
- Family caregiver benefits for children and for adults
- Compassionate care benefits
It does not cover regular EI for losing work or slow periods.
How much it pays
Up to 55% of your earnings, to a maximum of $729 a week in 2026.
What it costs
In 2026, you pay $1.63 for every $100 of self-employed earnings, up to a maximum of $1,123.07 a year. In Quebec, the rate is $1.30 per $100, up to $895.70, because Quebec runs its own parental insurance plan.
Premiums are paid with your income tax return.
The conditions
- You register through My Service Canada Account.
- Your agreement has to be active for at least 12 months before you can receive benefits.
- For claims filed in 2026, you need at least $9,254 in net self-employed earnings from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
- You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You must have reduced the time spent on your business by more than 40% for at least one week.
The catch
Once you've received benefits, you have to keep paying premiums for as long as you're self-employed. You can't leave the program. If you opt in and never claim, you can withdraw.
Who it's worth it for
- Planning a baby in the next couple of years: opt in at least 12 months ahead. Parental benefits alone can be worth many times the premiums.
- Caring for a family member, or worried about a long illness.
- Planning to stop gig work soon and never expecting to claim: probably not worth it.
How MyGigLedger helps
MyGigLedger tracks your net self-employed earnings through the year, so you can see whether you'll meet the minimum earnings needed to claim.
Sources
This article is general information based on CRA guidance as of September 29, 2026. It isn't tax advice. Rules change, and your situation may differ, so check with the CRA or a tax professional before you file.