Can deductions be taken from my EI Benefits if I owe money to a person, company or a government agency?
Deductions can never be taken for money owed to a person or company. However, deductions can be taken from your EI benefits to repay money you owe, if: • you received an overpayment from EI; • you received an advance or assistance from the Government of Canada or any of its agencies, a provincial or municipal government, or any other authority and an arrangement has been taken with EI for the deduction. Your consent must be given in writing to the deduction and payment by EI. Example: you received an advance from a Social Services agency while waiting for your EI benefits to start; • the Department of Justice issued a court order, according to the Family Orders and Agreements (FOA) Enforcement Assistance Act. Your EI benefits are garnished and forwarded to the Department of Justice that ensures payment to your spouse / dependants, according to the existing court order. • The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may collect taxes owing according to the Income Tax Act, the Excise Tax Act or other
