Employment Insurance (EI) and Regular Benefits
Employment Insurance (EI) on-line services
Do you have a question about the EI program? The frequently asked questions might help!
Who is eligible?
Qualifying period
Maybe your old EI claim just needs to be reactivated
How, where and when to apply
What information/documents are needed to apply?
Number of hours of work required to qualify
Labour force attachment period
When will you receive your first payment?
A 2-week waiting period to serve
How long can regular benefits be paid?
In order to get paid...
You wish to get information about your EI insurance claim
How much will you receive?
How we calculate the amount you will receive
Calculation of the weekly benefit rate based on the best 14 weeks
Working while on EI
Taking courses or training programs
Various types of earnings
Quitting your job
Being fired for misconduct
Corporate downsizing
Labour disputes
EI Premiums
Repayment of benefits at income tax time
Regular benefits while temporarily absent of Canada
Your rights and responsibilities
Appealing a decision
Looking for work
Who is eligible?
Regular benefits can be paid if you lose your job through no fault of your own, for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs and you are available for and able to work but you can’t find a job.
To be eligible for regular benefits you must show that:
- you have been without work and without pay for at least 7 consecutive days; and
- in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim, this period is called the qualifying period, you have worked for the required number of insurable hours. The hours are based on where you live and the unemployment rate in your economic region at the time of filing your claim for benefits.
Qualifying period
The qualifying period is the shorter of :
- the 52-week period immediately before the start date of a claim, or
- the period since the start of a previous EI claim if that claim had started during the 52 week-period.
Only the insurable hours that fall within the qualifying period are used to start a benefit period. However, the qualifying period may be extended up to 104 weeks if you were not employed in insurable employment and not receiving EI because you were:
- incapable of work by reason of illness, injury, quarantine or pregnancy; or
- confined in a jail, penitentiary or other similar institution; or
- attending a course of instruction or other related employment activity to which you were referred to by an Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) designated authority; or
- not working because you were receiving a payment under a provincial law on the basis of having ceased work because continuing to work would have entailed danger to you, your unborn child or a child you were breast feeding.
If one of these reasons applies to you, it is your responsibility to request the extension of your qualifying period and to provide all supporting documents.
Maybe your old EI claim just needs to be reactivated
If you filed a claim for benefits within the last 52 weeks, you may be able to reactivate this claim. To reactivate your claim, please submit an application on-line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere you have Internet access, or during business hours at your Service Canada Centre. To know more...
How, where and when to apply
To receive regular benefits you must submit an EI application on-line or in person at your Service Canada Centre, even if you receive or will receive money when you become unemployed.
You must request your Record of Employment (ROE) from your last employer. If you have your ROE from your last employer, apply immediately. If you did not receive your last ROE within 14 days of your last day of work, submit your application as soon as the 14 days are over, along with proof of employment, for example, pay stubs. If one or more ROE covering periods prior to your last employment are missing, you must still submit your claim for benefits.
If getting your ROE is a problem, your Service Canada Centre can help you. You will have to fill out a form "Request for Record of Employment" explaining what efforts you have made to obtain it. You will have to provide proof of your employment —such as: pay stubs, cancelled pay cheques, T4 slip, work schedules. If possible, we will use the proof to calculate your claim.
Delaying in filing your claim for benefits beyond 4 weeks after your last day of work may cause loss of benefits.
What information/documents are needed to apply?
- your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If your SIN begins with a 9, you need to supply proof of your immigration status and work permit.
- a Record of Employment (ROE) from each job held over the last 52 weeks. If you do not have your ROE after 14 days from the last day for which you were paid, you must submit proof of employment such as pay stubs;
- personal identification such as your driver's licence, birth certificate or passport, if you are applying in person;
- your complete bank information, as shown on your cheque or bank statement, or a voided personalized blank cheque from your current account. This will ensure that your payment of benefits will be made directly to your bank account with Direct Deposit;
-
your detailed version of facts if you have quit or have been dismissed from any job in the last 52 weeks;
- details regarding your most recent employment: Your total salary before deductions including tips and commissions, your salary before deductions for your last week of work, from Sunday to your last day worked, gross amounts received or to be received, such as vacation pay, severance pay, pension, pay in lieu of notice or lay-off, and other monies.
Number of hours of work required to qualify
Most people will need between 420 and 700 insurable hours of work in their qualifying period to qualify, depending on the unemployment rate in their region at the time of filing their claim for benefits. To find out this number...
In some instances, a minimum of 910 hours in the qualifying period may be needed to qualify. For examples :
- if you are in the work force for the first time;
- if you are re-entering the work force after an absence of two years.
*However, if you have received at least one week of maternity or parental benefits in the 208 weeks preceding the 52-week period prior to the qualifying period, you will require between 420 and 700 hours to qualify for regular benefits. -
violations from previous EI claims may also increase the number of hours required to qualify for EI benefits.
Particular situations: Effective December 11, 2005, if you are living in one of the 23 participating economic regions, you could qualify for regular benefits with a minimum of 840 hours instead of 910 hours. To know more...
When you show that you have at least 490 hours related to employment in the labour force during the labour force attachment period you will need between 420 and 700 insurable hours to qualify for regular benefits. Otherwise, you will need a minimum of 910 hours to qualify regular benefits. See examples 1 and 2...
Labour force attachment period
The labour force attachment period is the 52-week period preceding immediately the qualifying period. In calculating the number of hours during which a person was a member of the labour force, we take into account :
- any hours of insurable employment;
- any hours for which benefits have been paid or payable, calculated on the basis of 35 hours per week for each week of benefits paid;
- any hours that relate to a situation arising out of insurable employment or a situation which prevents the payment of benefits. We calculate, for each of the following weeks, 35 hours per week for:
any week for which you have received or will receive:
- worker's compensation payments, other than a lump sum or permanent settlement;
- wage-loss insurance earnings;
- indemnity payments due to preventative withdrawal of work;
- monies preventing payment of EI benefits due to allocation of earningsduring the 2-week waiting period;
- were attending a course of instruction to which you were referred to by an Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) designated authority;
- were employed under an approved self-employment or job creation programs;
- did not work but had earnings that prevented an interruption of earnings;
- were serving as part of the waiting period;
- were unemployed resulting from a stoppage of work due to labour disputes — strike, lockout;
- were serving a disqualification.
|
Example 1 (calendar available) You submitted a claim for benefits on December 19, 2005. You have no previous violations. You have accumulated 810 insurable hours between February 13, 2005 and December 17, 2005. You have been working sporadically between December 21, 2003 and December 18, 2004 and have accumulated 310 insurable hours. You have received worker's compensation payments for 6 weeks, from May 16 to June 25, 2004 which counts as 6 weeks X 35 hours = 210 hours. At the time of filing your claim for benefits, the unemployment rate is 6,8%, therefore, 665 insurable hours are required during the qualifying period to qualify for regular benefits. During the labour force attachment period from December 21, 2003 and December 18, 2004 you have accumulated 520 hours related to employment activities of the labour force, thus 310 hours + 210 hours. During the qualifying period from December 19, 2004 to December 17, 2005 you have accumulated 810 insurable hours. As you show that you have at least 490 hours related to employment in the labour force during the labour force attachment period, you qualify for regular benefits. In this example, you needed 665 insurable hours and you have accumulated 810 insurable hours during the qualifying period. |
|
Example 2 (calendar available) You submitted a claim for benefits on December 19, 2005. You have no previous violations. You are in the work force for the first time and you have accumulated 778 insurable hours between February 13, 2005 and December 17, 2005. Between December 21, 2003 and December 18, 2004 you have not worked, nor received any EI benefits and you have no hours related to employment activities in the labour force. During the labour force attachment period from December 21, 2003 to December 18, 2004 you have no hours related to employment activities of the labour force. During the qualifying period from December 19, 2004 to December 17, 2005 you have accumulated 778 insurable hours. As you do not show that you have at least 490 hours related to employment in the labour force during the labour force attachment period, you need a minimum of 910 insurable hours to qualify for regular benefits. However, you could qualify for maternity, parental and sickness benefits... |
| Regional rate of unemployment | Required number of hours of insurable employment in the last 52 weeks |
|---|---|
|
0% to 6% |
700 hours |
|
6.1% to 7% |
665 hours |
|
7.1% to 8% |
630 hours |
|
8.1% to 9% |
595 hours |
|
9.1% to 10% |
560 hours |
|
10.1% to 11% |
525 hours |
|
11.1% to 12% |
490 hours |
|
12.1% to 13% |
455 hours |
|
13.1% and over |
420 hours |
When will you receive your first payment?
If we have all the required information and if you can be paid benefits, your payment will be issued usually within 28 days from the date we receive your application. If you cannot be paid benefits, we will notify you of the decision made on your claim.
A 2-week waiting period to serve
You must serve a 2-week unpaid waiting period before your EI benefits begin to be paid. Generally, this period is the first 2 weeks of your claim. This is like a deductible for any kind of insurance. On the other hand, if you reopen a claim for benefits in which you have already served a 2-week waiting period, you do not serve another 2-week waiting period.
Earnings made, for example, vacation pay, severance pay or allocated during the 2-week waiting period will be deducted in the first 3 weeks for which benefit is otherwise payable following the waiting period. See example 1... These weeks do not need to be consecutive nor to follow immediately the waiting period. Once these 3 weeks payable have passed, if some earnings from waiting period still remain, they will just be ignored. See example 2...
Earnings allocated to any week of the waiting period result in a dollar for dollar deduction equal to your weekly benefit rate. This means that the maximum deduction for the 2-week waiting period is twice your weekly benefit rate.
Each working day for which you are not entitled to benefits that fall within the 2-week waiting period is calculated at 1/5 of your weekly benefit rate, as earnings to be deducted in the first 3 weeks during which benefits become payable. For example, your weekly benefit rate is $250 and in the first week of your waiting period you are not entitled to benefits for 2 days. We calculate 2/5 of $250.00 or — $250 ÷ 5 x 2 = $100.00 — as earnings during the waiting period. A combination of earnings and days for which you are not entitled to benefits, that falls within the waiting period, can be deducted at the same time. See example 3...
|
Example 1 – Earnings affecting 1st week payable (calendar available) Claim starts January 2, 2005 The total amount to be deducted as earnings from the waiting period is $195 Payment for the week of January 16, 2005 is $105, meaning $300 - $195. |
|
Example 2 – Remaining earnings ignored after the first 3 weeks payable (calendar available) Claim starts on January 2, 2005 The total amount to be deducted as earnings from the waiting period is $745, thus $395 + $350 The 1st week payable is January 16, 2005: The 2nd week payable is January 23, 2005: The 3rd week payable is January 30, 2005: The 4th week payable isFebruary 6: Payment for the week of February 6, 2005 is $400. |
| Example 3 – Combination of earnings and days not entitled to benefits (calendar available)
Claim starts January 2, 2005 The total amount to be deducted as earnings from the waiting period is $375, meaning $195 + $180 The 1st week payable is January 16, 2005, only $300 is deducted since the deduction cannot exceed the weekly benefit rate The remaining earnings of $75 is deducted in the 2nd week payable of January 23, 2005 Payment for the week of January 23, 2005 is $225, meaning $300 - $75. |
How long can regular benefits be paid?
Regular benefits can be paid from 14 to a maximum of 45 weeks. The number of weeks of benefits which may be paid are determined at the start date of the benefit period, based on the unemployment rate in your region and the amount of insurable hours you have accumulated in the qualifying period.
Please note that the number of weeks of benefits which may be paid does not change even if you move in another region after the start date of your claim.
Please note that a pilot project on increased weeks of EI beneifits is available. To find out if the pilot project applies to you...
The period of time in which you can claim the weeks you are eligible is 52 weeks. This period ends when the first of the followings occurs :
- all the weeks to which you are eligible have been paid; or
- a maximum of 45 weeks of benefits have been paid; or
- the 52 week duration is reached; or
- you request and qualify for the termination of your claim.
The duration of the benefit period may be extended up to 104 weeks, but the number of weeks of benefits which may be paid will remain unchanged. Therefore, the benefit period may be extended if you were not paid EI benefits during a benefit period because you were :
- confined to a jail, penitentiary or other similar institution; or
- in receipt of worker's compensation payments for an illness or injury; or
- receiving separation payments from your former employer;
- your newborn or newly adopted child was hospitalized within 52 weeks after the week of birth or the week the child was placed in your care for adoption; or
- not working because you were receiving a payment under a provincial law on the basis of having ceased work because continuing to work would have entailed danger to you, your unborn child or a child you were breast feeding.
If one of these reasons applies to you, it is your responsibility to request the extension of your benefit period and to provide all supporting documents.
Please note that if you are a working woman who receives or will receive both EI benefits and preventive withdrawal, your benefit period might not be extended. Learn how to avoid that situation and receive full maternity and parental benefits...
| Unemployment rate in economic region | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hours |
6% |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
+ |
|
420-454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
|
455-489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
|
490-524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
|
525-559 |
|
|
|
|
|
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
|
560-594 |
|
|
|
|
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
|
595-629 |
|
|
|
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
|
630-664 |
|
|
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
|
665-699 |
|
15 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
|
700-734 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
|
735-769 |
14 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
|
770-804 |
15 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
|
805-839 |
15 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
|
840-874 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
|
875-909 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
|
910-944 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
|
945-979 |
17 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
|
980-1014 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
|
1015-1049 |
18 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
|
1050-1084 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
|
1085-1119 |
19 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
|
1120-1154 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
|
1155-1189 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
|
1190-1224 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
|
1225-1259 |
21 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
|
1260-1294 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
|
1295-1329 |
22 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
|
1330-1364 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
|
1365-1399 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
|
1400-1434 |
24 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
45 |
|
1435-1469 |
25 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
45 |
|
1470-1504 |
26 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
|
1505-1539 |
27 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1540-1574 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1575-1609 |
29 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1610-1644 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1645-1679 |
31 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1680-1714 |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1715-1749 |
33 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1750-1784 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1785-1819 |
35 |
37 |
39 |
41 |
43 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
|
1820- |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
44 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
In order to get paid...
In order to get paid you must complete a report by Internet, telephone or mail every 2 weeks. These report are very important as regular payments cannot be issued without them.
Shortly after applying for EI, you will receive a Benefit statement in the mail indicating your Access code and the date your first claimant's report is due. Keep in mind that this does not mean that a decision has been made yet on your claim.
Along with your Benefit statement you will also receive instructions on how to complete your report with our Internet reporting service or our Telephone reporting service. If you cannot complete your claimant's reports by Internet or by telephone, you will need to complete and mail them to us. To find out how to complete your report by mail, just follow these step-by-step instructions.
You wish to get information about your EI insurance claim
If you have a current or previous claim for EI benefits, you can with our Internet service My Employment Insurance (EI) Information on-line:
- View and update your personal information including your mailing address, telephone number and banking information for direct deposit.
- View your current EI claim information.
- View payment information on your current claim including deduction details.
- View your previous claims for EI benefits.
Please note, if your bank account information changes or if you move, it is important that you let us know as soon as possible. You can update your mailing address, telephone number and direct deposit information by using My Employment Insurance (EI) Information on-line.
You can also obtain information about your EI claim by calling our Telephone Information Service 1 800 206-7218 and choosing Option 1.
How much will you receive?
The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a maximum amount of $413 per week. Your EI payment is a taxable income, meaning federal and provincial or territorial — if it applies — taxes will be deducted.
You could receive a higher benefit rate if you are in a low-income family — net income up to a maximum of $25,921 per year — with children and you or your spouse receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) 
. You are then entitled to the Family Supplement.
How we calculate the amount you will receive
Effective October 30, 2005, if you are living in one of the 23 participating economic regions you may take advantage of a new method of calculation of your weekly benefit rate. This new method of calculation is based on the best 14 weeks of insurable earnings over the last 52 weeks of work. To know more...
If you are not living in one of the 23 participating economic regions, the amount of your weekly benefit payment depends on your total earnings before deductions including tips and commissions, in the last 26 weeks, and is calculated in the following manner:
-
We look at the total earnings you have been paid in the last 26 weeks ending with your last day of work.
-
We take into consideration the number of weeks in which you have worked in the last 26 weeks.
-
We determine the unemployment rate in your region and the minimum divisor that applies at that unemployment rate.
-
We determine your average weekly insured earnings, by dividing your total earnings in the last 26 weeks by the greater of:
a) the number of weeks you have worked in the last 26 weeks; or
b) the minimum divisor number.
Important: The divisor cannot be less than 14 or greater than 26.
| Unemployment rate in your region | Minimum divisor |
|---|---|
|
0% to 6% |
22 |
|
6.1% to 7% |
21 |
|
7.1% to 8% |
20 |
|
8.1% to 9% |
19 |
|
9.1% to 10% |
18 |
|
10.1% to 11% |
17 |
|
11.1% to 12% |
16 |
|
12.1% to 13% |
15 |
|
13.1% and over |
14 |
|
Example A In the last 26 weeks you worked for 26 weeks and earned a total of $10,400. You live in an area where the unemployment rate is 13.1%; so the divisor is 14. To determine your average weekly earnings, we calculate $10,400 ÷ 26 = $400. We use the number of weeks worked as it is greater than the divisor. To determine your weekly benefit rate, we calculate 55% of $400 = $220. |
|
Example B In the last 26 weeks you worked for 12 weeks and earned a total of $3,600. You live in an area where the unemployment rate is 13.1%; so the divisor is 14. To determine your average weekly earnings, we calculate $3,600 ÷ 14 = $257. We use the minimum divisor as it is greater than the number of weeks worked. To determine your weekly benefit rate, we calculate 55% of $257 = $141. |
|
Example C In the last 26 weeks you worked for 17 weeks and earned a total of $5,100. You live in an area where the unemployment rate is 11.5%; so the divisor is 16. To determine your average weekly earnings, we calculate $5,100 ÷ 17 = $300. We use the number of weeks worked as it is greater than the divisor. To determine your weekly benefit rate, we calculate 55% of $300 = $165. |
Particular situations...
If you have earned less than $225 a week, small weeks, any time during the last 26 weeks of work, it may be possible for us, under certain conditions, to exclude earnings from small weeks in the calculation of your benefit rate. To find out how the exclusion of small weeks works...
Working while on EI
You can't work full time and receive EI benefits. However, you can work part-time while you are receiving regular benefits. You can earn $50 per week or 25% of your weekly benefits, whichever is higher. Any monies earned above that amount will be deducted dollar for dollar from your benefits.
However, effective December 11, 2005, if you are living in one of the 23 participating economic regions, the amount you can earn while working part-time and receiving EI benefits is the greater of $75 or 40 % of weekly benefits. To know more...
You must report any earnings you make while collecting regular benefits.
Tip: Use the reporting calendar — PDF 11 kb — to keep track of your earnings and hours worked. About PDF Files.
Various types of earnings
Earnings paid or payable by your employer at the end of your employment or while you are receiving benefits, generally affect payment of your benefits. To know more...
Quitting your job
If you voluntarily quit your job without just cause, you will not be paid regular benefits. After quitting a job, you must work the minimum number of insurable hours required to get regular benefits. However, you may still be paid maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits as long as you qualify for these benefits. To know more...
Being fired for misconduct
If you are fired due to your own misconduct, you will not be paid regular benefits. After being fired for misconduct, you must work the minimum number of insurable hours required to get regular benefits. However, you may still be paid maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits as long as you qualify for these benefits. To know more...
Corporate downsizing
When enterprises reduce permanently the size of their work force, EI will help them and their employees get through the process. If your employer is downsizing and offers you the opportunity to quit your job in order to protect another person’s job, you can leave your job without penalty. However, the company must show that the layoff is permanent and that your departure protects another person’s job.
When faced with downsizing it is best to first consult with an EI officer to ensure that all conditions which might affect you, are considered. Do not take anything for granted. To know more on work force reduction measures…
Labour disputes
If a strike, a lockout or other form of labour dispute where you work causes you to lose your job or prevents you from going to work, you will generally not be paid EI benefits. The following conditions apply whether you are a union member or not and whether your job is part or full-time.
You may, however, be eligible to receive benefits if:
- you are not taking part in the dispute;
- you are not giving money directly to support the dispute; and
- you are not directly interested in the dispute — i.e. your wages or working conditions, etc., are not affected by the outcome of the dispute.
If you are taking part in a labour dispute, you are not eligible for EI until :
-
the strike or lockout is over; or
-
you have found another regular job where you pay EI premiums.
If you had already arranged for an approved absence from work before the work stoppage started, such as sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave or authorized training, you may still be paid EI benefits.
EI premiums
You will pay premiums on all your earnings up to the annual maximum salary of $39,000. This means that deductions for year 2006 is set to $1.87 for every $100 of salary until $39,000 has been reached. The maximum contribution amount will be $729.30.
Please note that the EI premium rate for 2006 for Quebec residents is set to $1.53 for every $100 of salary until $39,000 has been reached. The maximum contribution amount will be $596.70 for these individuals. To know more…
There is no age limit for deducting EI premiums. In fact, if you are working in insurable employment, your employer deducts from you salary the applicable EI premiums, whatever your age. To know more on payroll deductions...
New for 2007 – As of January 1st, 2007 you must pay EI premiums on all your earnings up to the annual maximum salary of $40,000. The EI premium rate is set to $1.80 for every $100 of salary until $40,000 has been reached. The maximum contribution amount will be $720.00.
As for Quebec residents, the EI premium rate is set to $1.46 for every $100 of salary until $40,000 has been reached. The maximum contribution amount will be $584.00 for these individuals. To know more…
Regular benefits while temporarily absent from Canada
Under most circumstances you are not allowed to receive regular benefits for any period in which you are not in Canada. However, you can receive regular benefits provided that you are available for work in Canada and that you inform your Service Canada Centre of your temporary absence in the following situations :
- for a period of not more than 7 consecutive days to attend a funeral of a member of your immediate family or a close relative;
- for a period of not more than 7 consecutive days to accompany a member of your immediate family who is ill to a medical facility, provided the treatment is not readily available in your family member's area of residence;
- for a period of not more than 7 consecutive days to visit a member of your immediate family who is seriously ill or injured;
- for a period of not more than 7 consecutive days to attend a real job interview;
- for a period of not more than 14 consecutive days to conduct a real job search;
- to attend an approved training program.
Immediate family: Father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, foster parent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, spouse, your child or the child of your spouse, father-in-law, mother-in-law, a dependant or a relative residing in your household or a relative with whom you permanently live with.
A close relative: A grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, uncle, aunt, niece and nephew.
Your spouse: Person you are married to or common law partner of more than one year or less where children are present.
Your rights and responsibilities
It is very important for you to know about your rights and responsibilities...
Appealing a decision
If you disagree with an EI related decision you have the right to appeal. Information on how to file and prepare for an appeal can be found at Serving Employment Insurance Appellants...
Looking for work
While claiming regular benefits you must be actively looking for work...
