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Employment Insurance (EI)

Employment Insurance (EI) provides regular benefits to people who lost their job through no fault of their own, for example because of a shortage of work, seasonal layoffs, or mass layoffs, and who are ready and able to work but cannot find a job

Detailed information and application on the Government of Canada website

Important: It is recommended to apply as soon as possible after your last working day. Applying later than 4 weeks may result in losing part or all of your benefits.

Who is eligible for regular EI benefits

  • Work in employment that is insurable under EI
  • Lose your job through no fault of your own
  • Be without work and without pay for at least 7 consecutive days during the last 52 weeks
  • Work the required number of insurable hours, from 420 to 700 depending on the region
  • Be ready, able, and willing to work each day
  • Actively look for work and keep a written record of contacts with employers
  • In certain cases, be affected by flooding or wildfires

When EI benefits are not provided

  • Leaving a job without a valid reason
  • Dismissal for misconduct
  • Participation in a labour dispute such as a strike or lockout
  • Being on paid leave

Qualifying period

  • The last 52 weeks before applying, or
  • The period since the start of a previous EI claim, if it was approved during the last 52 weeks
  • It may be extended up to 104 weeks in some cases

Reports and benefit amount

  • You must submit reports every two weeks online or by phone
  • Failure to submit reports may lead to loss of benefits
  • Basic rate: 55% of the average insurable weekly earnings
  • The exact amount is determined after the application is reviewed

Preparing to apply

You need to have:

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • If the SIN starts with 9, proof of immigration status and a work permit
  • A parent’s family name at birth
  • Mailing and physical addresses, including postal codes
  • Banking information for direct deposit
  • Information about all jobs during the last 52 weeks or since the start of the previous claim
  • Records of Employment (ROE) from each employer

Applying online

  • The online application takes about 1 hour
  • You can save a temporary password and return to the application
  • Your data is saved for 72 hours
  • The service never asks you to send personal information by email