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EI Top-Up Guarantee: $600 Weekly

Full Title:
Employment Insurance Top-up Act

Summary#

This bill creates a Nova Scotia program that tops up weekly Employment Insurance (EI) payments to a minimum of $600 for eligible residents. It is a one‑year program that can be extended by the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

  • Sets a $600 per week floor for Nova Scotia residents who are receiving EI and currently get less than $600 per week.
  • The weekly top-up equals $600 minus your weekly EI amount.
  • Runs for one year after it takes effect; the Minister can choose a later end date.
  • The Province will try to work with the federal government so the top-up is paid at the same time as EI.
  • The program only operates if the Legislature sets aside money for it.

What it means for you#

  • Workers on EI

    • If you live in Nova Scotia and your EI is under $600 per week, the Province will add enough to bring you to $600.
    • Example: If you get $500/week in EI, the top-up would be $100/week.
    • If you already get $600 or more in EI per week, you would not get a top-up.
    • You must be receiving EI to qualify; if your EI stops, the top-up stops.
    • Payments may show up together with your EI if the federal and provincial systems link up; if not, they may come separately from the Province.
    • The program is time-limited to one year unless the Minister extends it.
    • Tax treatment of the top-up is not stated in the bill; you may need to check official guidance if the program launches.

  • Families and households

    • Brings more stable weekly income while a family member is on EI, helping cover basics like rent, food, and bills.

  • Employers

    • No direct changes to employer duties or costs are described in the bill.

  • Everyone

    • The program depends on the provincial budget. If funding is not approved, payments will not proceed.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

  • Sets a clear income floor of $600 per week for people on EI, helping them pay for essentials while between jobs.
  • Simple rule that is easy to understand and explain.
  • Uses EI status to target support to people who have already proven job loss, which can reduce red tape.
  • Time-limited program can respond to economic need now, with flexibility to extend if needed.
  • Coordinating payments with the federal system could make delivery smooth and quick.

Opponents' View#

  • Could be costly for the Province, and the total price tag is uncertain because it depends on how many people are on EI and how much they receive.
  • If no federal agreement is reached, separate payments could add administrative work, delays, or confusion.
  • Some argue a higher guaranteed weekly amount might reduce urgency to take lower‑pay or part‑time jobs while on EI.
  • Not based on household income or savings, so people with the same EI amount get the same top-up regardless of broader financial need.
  • Creates different support levels across provinces, which some see as uneven treatment of EI recipients nationally.