As of January 31, 2010, self-employed people can register for access to EI Special Benefits

As of January 31, 2010, self-employed people can register for access to EI Special Benefits. The four types of special benefits are:  

• Maternity benefits;
• Parental benefits;
• Sickness benefits; and,
• Compassionate care benefits.

In order to take advantage of these benefits, self-employed people must register for access to EI Special Benefits for Self-Employed People.  Registration
by April 1, 2010, will enable registrants to be eligible to apply for benefits as early as January 1, 2011. Registration after April 1, 2010, means waiting a full 12 months before applying for benefits.

For additional information, visit the Service Canada website.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/self_employed_workers.shtml