Can gig workers get EI? The self-employed opt-in, explained
Gig drivers don't pay into regular EI, but you can opt in for maternity, parental, sickness and caregiving benefits. The 2026 numbers, the 12-month wait, and the catch.
If you drive or deliver part-time and your income is modest, reporting your gig earnings can actually put money in your pocket. The Canada workers benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit, which means you can get it even if you owe no tax.
It counts self-employment income
The CWB is for people who earn employment or self-employment income below certain limits. Your net gig profit counts as working income.
How much it's worth
For the 2025 tax year (the return you filed in 2026), single people could get up to $1,633. The basic benefit starts shrinking when adjusted net income passes $26,855 and ends at $37,742. Families get more and have higher limits. Amounts differ in Quebec, Nunavut and Alberta.
There's also a disability supplement of up to $843 for people approved for the disability tax credit.
Who qualifies
You generally need to:
- Be 19 or older on December 31, or live with a spouse, common-law partner or child
- Be a resident of Canada for the whole year
- Have working income, but net income under the limit for your province and family situation
You're generally not eligible if you were a full-time student for more than 13 weeks of the year and had no dependant.
You have to file to get it
The CWB is claimed on your tax return (line 45300). Tax software calculates it automatically once your income is in. If you skip filing because "I barely made anything," you leave this money behind.
A reason to claim your expenses carefully
The CWB is based on net income. Claiming real business expenses lowers your net income, which can increase your benefit. But you need enough working income to qualify at all, so don't skip reporting your earnings.
How MyGigLedger helps
MyGigLedger shows your net profit as you go, so you can see where you stand against the CWB limits long before tax time.
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.