Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Employment Insurance (EI) – Regular benefits

Definition

Regular benefits for unemployment received under the federal Employment Insurance (EI) program during the reference period, before income tax deductions.

For the 2021 Census, this includes enhancements to the EI benefits in 2020 in response to the COVID‑19 pandemic.

For the 2021 Census, the reference period for income data is the calendar year 2020, unless otherwise specified.

Statistical unit(s)

• Person

Classification(s)

• Not applicable

Reported in

2021 and 2016 (100% data).

Reported for

Population aged 15 years and over in private households

Question number(s)

Variable derived based on administrative tax and benefit records received from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Responses

Positive dollar value or nil

Remarks

See 'Remarks' under total income.

This variable is a component of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. See also income sources.

See also COVID‑19 - Emergency and recovery benefits.

For more information, please refer to Appendix 2.4 Components of income in 2020.

For more information about COVID‑19 benefits, data collection method, coverage, reference period, concepts, data quality and intercensal comparability of the income data, please refer to the Income Reference Guide, Census of Population, 2021.