EI Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours worked | 420-700 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks (varies by region) |
| Reason for job loss | Laid off, contract ended, or quit with just cause |
| Availability | Ready and able to work each day |
| Job search | Actively looking for work |
| In Canada | Must be in Canada to receive benefits |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Record of Employment (ROE) from employer
- Banking information (institution, transit, account number)
- Mailing address and contact information
- Details of your last employment
Step 2: Create My Service Canada Account
- Go to canada.ca/my-service-canada-account
- Sign in with GCKey or Sign-In Partner (bank)
- Complete identity verification if first time
Step 3: Complete Online Application
- Select “Apply for Employment Insurance benefits”
- Answer eligibility questions
- Enter employment history (last 52 weeks)
- Provide banking details for direct deposit
- Review and submit
Step 4: Submit Bi-Weekly Reports
- Complete reports every 2 weeks
- Report any earnings, job search activities, availability
- Missing reports = delayed or stopped payments
How Much EI Pays
| Your Weekly Earnings | EI Payment (55%) | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $275 | — |
| $800 | $440 | — |
| $1,000 | $550 | — |
| $1,215+ | $668 | $668/week max |
How Long You Can Receive EI
| Regional Unemployment Rate | Weeks of Benefits |
|---|---|
| 6% or less | 14-36 weeks |
| 6.1% - 8% | 15-40 weeks |
| 8.1% - 10% | 17-42 weeks |
| Over 10% | 19-45 weeks |
The exact duration depends on your hours worked and regional unemployment rate.
Application Timeline
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Apply online | Day 1 (apply immediately after job loss) |
| ROE submitted by employer | Within 5 days of last day worked |
| Application processing | Up to 28 days |
| Waiting period | 1 week (unpaid) |
| First payment | ~4-5 weeks after applying |
Common Reasons for EI Denial
| Reason | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Quit without just cause | Appeal if you had valid reasons (harassment, unsafe conditions) |
| Fired for misconduct | Appeal if termination was unjust |
| Not enough hours | Check if you qualify under regional variable entrance requirement |
| ROE not received | Contact employer; Service Canada can request it |
| Self-employed | Check if you opted into EI special benefits for self-employed |
EI While Working Part-Time
| Earnings | Impact on EI |
|---|---|
| $0-$50/week | Keep 100% of EI |
| $51+/week | EI reduced by 50¢ for every $1 earned |
| Earn more than EI amount | EI payment = $0 that week |
Record of Employment (ROE): what you need to know
Your employer must issue an ROE within:
- 5 calendar days after your last day of work (paper ROE)
- 5 calendar days after the pay period end date (electronic ROE submitted directly to Service Canada)
Most employers now file the ROE electronically, which means it goes directly to Service Canada and you may never receive a physical copy. You can view your ROE in your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
If your employer has not issued an ROE: you can still apply for EI — do not wait. Service Canada can follow up with your employer to obtain the ROE. Delaying your application costs you weeks of benefits.
| ROE code | What it means |
|---|---|
| A – Shortage of work | Layoff, economic reasons — EI eligible |
| B – Strike or lockout | Labour dispute — EI eligibility complex |
| D – Illness or injury | Qualifies for EI sickness benefits |
| E – Quit | Generally not eligible unless just cause |
| G – Maternity/parental | Qualifies for EI maternity/parental benefits |
| K – Other / unknown | Service Canada will investigate |
| M – Dismissal | EI eligibility depends on circumstances |
| N – Leave of absence | Depends on reason |
Types of EI benefits — which to apply for
The EI application asks which type of benefit you are applying for. Make sure you select the right one:
| EI benefit type | Who it is for | Maximum weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | Laid off, contract ended, job search | 14–45 weeks (region-dependent) |
| Sickness | Cannot work due to illness or injury | 26 weeks |
| Maternity | Biological mothers before/after birth | 15 weeks |
| Standard parental | Caring for a newborn or newly adopted child | 35 weeks (or 61 weeks extended) |
| Caregiving — critically ill child | Caring for a critically ill child under 18 | 35 weeks |
| Caregiving — critically ill adult | Caring for a critically ill adult | 15 weeks |
| Compassionate care | Caring for a gravely ill person | 26 weeks |
You can combine types — for example, sickness followed by parental benefits — as long as you qualify for each.
After approval: what to expect
Once your claim is processed (up to 28 days):
- You will receive a “decision letter” in your MSCA inbox or by mail
- Direct deposit is set up if you provided banking information during application; otherwise a cheque is mailed
- Bi-weekly reports are required — you must complete a report every two weeks to continue receiving payments. Reports ask about: any earnings, your job search efforts, availability to work, and any time outside Canada
- Report earnings honestly — if you earn anything while on EI, report it. EI reduces by 50 cents for every dollar earned over $50/week (or over 90% of earnings if that is higher)
- Taxes are withheld — EI payments have income tax withheld at source based on your expected annual income. You will receive a T4E slip in February
Common mistake: many claimants miss a bi-weekly report and lose payments. Set a calendar reminder — reports are due every two weeks on the same day of the week.
EI and the clawback at tax time
If your net income exceeds $79,000 (2025) in the year you receive EI, you must repay some of it:
| Net income | Repayment |
|---|---|
| Up to $79,000 | No repayment |
| $79,001–$88,000 | 30% of the lesser of net EI paid or income above threshold |
| First-time EI claimant | Repayment waived for first use of EI regular benefits |
This clawback does not apply to special benefits (sickness, maternity, parental, caregiving).