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It was created to provide general EI information only.

How to withdraw from Self-Employed EI benefits contribution

You can withdraw from the program at any time, unless you have received special benefits as a self-employed person. If you have, you’ll continue paying premiums for as long as you’re self-employed.

  1. Log into My Service Canada Account
  2. Under the View/Change tab on the main page, click the Employment Insurance (EI) drop‑down
  3. Click Agreement status (self-employed)
  4. Follow the steps to end your agreement with the Employment Insurance Commission
 

Withdrawal from the program within 60 days

If you withdraw within 60 days of registering, you won’t have to pay any premiums. If you change your mind about withdrawing, you’ll have to register for the program again. You’ll need to wait 12 months from your new confirmed registration date before you can apply for special benefits.

Withdrawal from the program after 60 days

If you withdraw more than 60 days after registering, you’ll have to pay premiums until December 31 of the year you withdraw. You must notify Service Canada in writing by December 31 if you want to cancel your withdrawal.

If you’ve been registered for 12 months or more and you need benefits before December 31 of the year you withdraw, you can still apply for them. Receiving special benefits will cancel your withdrawal and your registration in the program will continue.

Saving in the wrong registered account can quietly destroy a low-income worker’s retirement setup. Read our guide on TFSA vs RRSP for Low Income Earners: Avoid the GIS Retirement Trap to discover why RRSP withdrawals trigger a hidden 50% benefit clawback—and how shifting to a TFSA protects your Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits.

Stop wasting money on monthly bank fees and missing out on valuable rewards! Discover how switching to Canada’s top no-fee bank accounts and zero-annual-fee cash-back credit cards can help you keep more money in your pocket. Read our article Best No-Fee Bank Accounts & Cash-Back Cards in Canada (2026 Guide) at Unemployment Canada to start saving today.
 
Discover how to maximize your tax-free government relief with complete CRA details on the newly launched Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). Learn about updated 2026 eligibility rules, enhanced quarterly payout schedules, and maximum income limits. Read our article Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026: Eligibility & Payment Schedule, at taxservicecanada.ca.
 
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.

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