Employment Insurance (EI)
Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed Canadians who have lost their job through no fault of their own, while they look for work or upgrade their skills.
Canadians who are sick, pregnant, or caring for a newborn or adopted child, as well as those who must care for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death, may also be assisted by Employment Insurance.
You can apply for Employment Insurance within 4 weeks of your last day of work. Most people will receive around 55% of their average income in EI benefits, up to a maximum amount of $573 per week as of 2020.
Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed Canadians who have lost their job through no fault of their own, while they look for work or upgrade their skills.
Canadians who are sick, pregnant, or caring for a newborn or adopted child, as well as those who must care for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death, may also be assisted by Employment Insurance.
You can apply for Employment Insurance within 4 weeks of your last day of work. Most people will receive around 55% of their average income in EI benefits, up to a maximum amount of $573 per week as of 2020.
Types of EI
There are several types of benefits available to Canadians, depending on their situation.
Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
Employment Insurance Regular Benefits are available to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal layoffs, or mass layoffs) and who are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job.
Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits
Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits provide support to individuals who are pregnant, have recently given birth, are adopting a child, or are caring for a new born. Applicants can apply for the benefits up to 12 weeks before the due date, and can receive benefits for up to 15 weeks.
Note: An employee must give at least 2 weeks’ written notice before beginning their pregnancy leave.
Parental Benefits are available to the parents of a newborn or a newly adopted child.
Basic Parental Benefits can be received for up to 35 weeks, and most applicants will receive 55% of their average earnings (maximum $573). In the case of extended parental leave, applicants can receive benefits for up to 61 weeks, and will receive approximately 33% of their average earnings (maximum $344).
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits are for individuals who are unable to work due to sickness, injury, or quarantine. Applicants can receive EI sickness benefits for up to 15 weeks, and must have worked for a minimum of 600 hours within the last 52 weeks.
Note: An employee must give at least 2 weeks’ written notice before beginning their pregnancy leave.
Basic Parental Benefits can be received for up to 35 weeks, and most applicants will receive 55% of their average earnings (maximum $573). In the case of extended parental leave, applicants can receive benefits for up to 61 weeks, and will receive approximately 33% of their average earnings (maximum $344).
Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits are available to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. This benefit can be received for up to 26 weeks and requires confirmation from a doctor that the family in need of care is at increased risk of dying within 26 weeks (Form INS5216B). The patient or their legal representative must also fill out an authorization to release a medical certificate for Employment insurance (Form INS5216A).
Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits
Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits are available to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. This benefit can be received for up to 26 weeks and requires confirmation from a doctor that the family in need of care is at increased risk of dying within 26 weeks (Form INS5216B). The patient or their legal representative must also fill out an authorization to release a medical certificate for Employment insurance (Form INS5216A).
Application Process
Applying for Employment Insurance online will take about 60 minutes.
• You can apply for Employment Insurance online through the Service Canada website
• If the employer has electronically submitted the ROE to Service Canada, there is no need to visit Service Canada offices. If the employer issues a paper ROE, the applicant must bring the paper ROE to a Service Canada office.
Required Documents
• Social Insurance Number
• Record of Employment (ROE)
• Personal identification (eg. driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Direct deposit information
• In the case of sickness benefits, a medical certificate is required
After Applying
After you apply for Employment Insurance benefits, you will receive an Access Code from Service Canada. You will need this Access Code to submit mandatory biweekly reports to Service Canada via phone or online.
• EI Website
• Service Canada Info line: 1 -800- 206-7218
Applying for Employment Insurance online will take about 60 minutes.
• You can apply for Employment Insurance online through the Service Canada website
• If the employer has electronically submitted the ROE to Service Canada, there is no need to visit Service Canada offices. If the employer issues a paper ROE, the applicant must bring the paper ROE to a Service Canada office.
Required Documents
• Social Insurance Number
• Record of Employment (ROE)
• Personal identification (eg. driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Direct deposit information
• In the case of sickness benefits, a medical certificate is required
After Applying
After you apply for Employment Insurance benefits, you will receive an Access Code from Service Canada. You will need this Access Code to submit mandatory biweekly reports to Service Canada via phone or online.
• EI Website
• Service Canada Info line: 1 -800- 206-7218
