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“In January, 375,000 Canadians received regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, down by 20,000 (-5.0 per cent) from December 2022 and the lowest number of regular EI beneficiaries on record since comparable data became available in 1997, outside of the period when the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit was in place from March to September 2020, reported Statistics Canada on Thursday.
On a year-over-year basis, the number of regular EI beneficiaries fell by 294,000 (-43.9 per cent). The largest proportional decline was observed among young women aged 15 to 24 years (-73.0 per cent; -27,000), followed by young men aged 15 to 24 years (-59.9 per cent; -31,000), said the federal agency.
According to the Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate held steady at 5.0 per cent in January, just above the record low of 4.9 per cent observed in June and July 2022. In addition, the proportion of long-term unemployment (being continuously unemployed for 27 weeks or more) was 15.8 per cent in January, down from 19.9 per cent one year earlier, said the report.
“The number of core-aged (25 to 54 years) people receiving regular EI benefits fell by 11,000 (-4.5 per cent) in January, accounting for more than half (54.7 per cent) of the monthly decline. Declines were recorded for core-aged women (-5.0 per cent; -4,800) and core-aged men (-4.1 per cent; -6,100). Among people aged 55 years and older, the number of regular EI beneficiaries fell by 1,800 (-4.2 per cent) among women and by 1,600 (-2.2 per cent) among men.”
source: https://canadaspodcast.com/article/number-of-employment-insurance-beneficiaries-in-canada-plummets/
If you want to learn more about the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are issued, visit Tax Service Canada’s Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Guide. This comprehensive resource explains the eligibility requirements, payment amounts for individuals and families, application details for new residents, and important CRA payment dates. With the CGEB replacing the GST/HST Credit in July 2026 and providing increased support to millions of Canadians, staying informed can help ensure you receive every benefit you are entitled to.
If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), now is the time to ensure your benefits continue without interruption. GIS eligibility is reviewed annually, and failing to file your income tax return or complete any required renewal steps could result in your payments being reduced or stopped starting in July 2026. Service Canada uses your most recent income information to determine your eligibility and payment amount for the 2026–2027 benefit year. To avoid delays or disruptions to your monthly GIS payments, review the renewal requirements today. Visit the GIS Renewal page for a complete guide and important updates.
Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year. Stay organized and gain peace of mind by keeping this essential resource right at your fingertips. Bookmark us now and ensure you’re always prepared for your upcoming monthly payments!
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Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026 – Eligibility & Payment Schedule
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