What Is Employment Insurance (EI)?

Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program that provides temporary financial assistance to Canadians who have lost their job through no fault of their own, or who are unable to work due to specific life circumstances. It is administered by Service Canada and funded through premiums paid by employees and employers throughout the year.

EI is not just for job loss — it also covers several other situations where income support may be needed.

Types of EI Benefits

  • Regular Benefits: For those who have lost employment involuntarily (e.g., layoff) and are available and actively looking for work.
  • Sickness Benefits: For those unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine (up to 26 weeks).
  • Maternity and Parental Benefits: For birth parents and those adopting or caring for a newborn or newly adopted child.
  • Caregiving Benefits: For those caring for a critically ill or injured family member, or a family member who is at risk of dying.
  • Fishing Benefits: For self-employed fishers who cannot find work.

Do You Qualify for Regular EI Benefits?

To qualify for regular EI benefits, you generally must:

  1. Have an insurable employment record. You must have been employed in insurable employment and had EI premiums deducted from your pay.
  2. Meet the minimum hours requirement. You need between 420 and 700 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks (or since your last claim). The exact number depends on the unemployment rate in your region.
  3. Have lost your job through no fault of your own. You were laid off, or your hours were reduced. Quitting voluntarily or being dismissed for cause generally disqualifies you, unless you had just cause for leaving.
  4. Be available and actively searching for work. You must be ready, willing, and capable of working and making reasonable efforts to find new employment.

How Much Will You Receive?

EI regular benefits are calculated at 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum insurable amount set each year by the government. The number of weeks you receive benefits depends on the regional unemployment rate and the number of insurable hours you've accumulated. The maximum benefit period is 45 weeks.

How to Apply for EI

Step 1: Apply as Soon as Possible

Apply for EI within 4 weeks of your last day of work. Delays can result in lost benefits — there is no reason to wait for your Record of Employment (ROE) before applying.

Step 2: Apply Online

Applications are submitted online through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) at canada.ca. You'll need:

  • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Your mother's maiden name (for identity verification)
  • Your banking information for direct deposit
  • Names and addresses of all employers in the past 52 weeks
  • Your Record of Employment (ROE) — Service Canada often receives this directly from your employer electronically

Step 3: Serve the Waiting Period

There is a one-week waiting period at the start of most EI claims during which you are not paid. Think of it as a deductible. Continue filing your bi-weekly reports during this time.

Step 4: Submit Bi-Weekly Reports

Once your claim is approved, you must submit reports every two weeks confirming that you are still unemployed, available for work, and reporting any earnings from work during that period. Failing to report accurately can result in penalties or repayment of benefits.

What to Do If Your Application Is Denied

If your EI claim is denied, you have the right to request a reconsideration within 30 days of receiving your decision letter. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada.

For current regional hours requirements, benefit rates, and to apply, visit canada.ca/employment-insurance.