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{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = Trevor Thomas, Ascent Employment Law|date= June 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = work}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [https://www.ascentemploymentlaw.ca/about-us Trevor Thomas], Ascent Employment Law|date= October 2022}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = work}}
In Canada, the government offers financial support to people who are without work. Learn whether you are eligible for '''Employment Insurance benefits''', and the steps to '''apply for benefits'''.
In Canada, the government offers financial assistance to people who are without work. Learn whether you’re eligible for '''employment insurance benefits''', and the steps to apply for benefits.


==Understand your legal rights==
==What you should know==
===Employment insurance benefits help people who are without work===
'''Employment insurance benefits''' are temporary payments made to people who lose their job through no fault of their own.


===Employment Insurance benefits help people who are without work===
EI, as it’s often called, also offers help if you can’t work because of illness or injury. And it provides benefits for people who take time off work to have or parent a child, or to care for family members who are ill or injured.
'''Employment Insurance benefits''' are temporary payments made to people who lose their job through no fault of their own. EI, as it’s often called, also offers help if you can’t work because of illness or injury. And it provides benefits for people who take time off to have a baby or care for family members who are ill or injured.


The EI program is run by the federal government department [http://www.esdc.gc.ca/ Employment and Social Development Canada]. For detailed information on EI, including eligibility for various types of benefits and how to apply, see [http://canada.ca/ei canada.ca/ei] or call Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218.
The EI program is run by the federal government.


===There are various types of benefits available===
===Types of EI benefits available===
'''EI regular benefits''' are for people who lose their job through no fault of their own — for example, they were laid off. They must be available and able to work but unable to find a job.  
'''EI regular benefits''' are for people who lose their job through no fault of their own — for example, you were laid off.


In addition, there are other types of EI benefits available, including:
There are also other types of EI benefits available.
*'''Maternity and parental benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they are pregnant, recently had a baby, are adopting a child, or are caring for a baby.
* '''Maternity and parental benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they’re pregnant, recently had a baby, are adopting a child, or are caring for a baby.
*'''Sickness benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they are sick, injured, or quarantined.
* '''Sickness benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they’re ill, injured, or quarantined.
*'''Family caregiver benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they’ve stepped away to care for or support a critically ill or injured family member.
*'''Compassionate care benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they’ve stepped away to care for or support a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death within six months.
*'''Benefits for parents of critically ill children''' are for eligible parents who take time off work to care for their critically ill or injured child.
*'''Fishing benefits''' are for self-employed fishers who are actively seeking work.


===Qualifying for Employment Insurance benefits===
There are benefits available for caregivers.
Under the [http://canlii.ca/t/7vtf law in Canada], you may qualify for “regular benefits” under Employment Insurance if all of the following apply to you:
* '''Family caregiver benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they’ve stepped away to care for or support a critically ill or injured family member.
*You paid into Employment Insurance as a worker.
* '''Compassionate care benefits''' are for people who can’t work because they’ve stepped away to care for or support a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death within six months.
*You worked for the minimum number of hours during the “qualifying period”. The qualifying period is the last 52 weeks or since the start of your last EI claim, whichever is shorter. The minimum number of hours is [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/eligibility.html between 420 and 700 hours], depending on where you live.
* '''Benefits for parents of critically ill children''' are for eligible parents who take time off work to care for their critically ill or injured child.
*You lost your job through no fault of your own. (You will not qualify for EI benefits if you quit your last job, unless you can prove you quit for a good reason.)
*You’ve been without work and pay for at least seven consecutive days in the last 52 weeks.
*You’ve run out of any vacation or severance pay you received.
*You are ready, willing and capable of working, and are actively looking for work.


The qualifying period can be extended up to 104 weeks if you couldn’t work because you were ill, injured, or pregnant (among other reasons). A longer qualifying period helps if you haven’t worked enough hours in the normal qualifying period. You have to ask for an extension.  
And there are '''fishing benefits''' for self-employed fishers who are actively seeking work.


The Service Canada website at [http://canada.ca/ei canada.ca/ei] explains who qualifies for the various other types of EI benefits, and how to apply.
===Qualifying for EI benefits===
To qualify for '''EI regular benefits''', you must:
===How much you might get===
* in the last 52 weeks, have worked a minimum number of hours in work covered by the EI program
The amount of Employment Insurance you receive is determined by how much you’ve been earning and where you live. For most people, the basic rate for calculating EI benefits is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. The maximum amount changes over time. Check the [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/benefit-amount.html Service Canada website] for the current figure.
* have lost your job through no fault of your own (you won't qualify if you were fired for misconduct or chose to quit when you had other options)
* have gone seven straight days without work or pay from a particular employer


In calculating your EI benefits, the government considers your gross earnings (before deductions), including tips and commissions. EI benefits are taxable income, so taxes are deducted.
The federal government website goes through these requirements, and who qualifies for the other types of EI benefits. [https://canada.ca/ei Visit the website].


EI benefits are based on your highest weeks of earnings over the qualifying period (usually 52 weeks). Your benefits are calculated over a set number of weeks. That number can range from 14 to 22 weeks, depending on the [http://srv129.services.gc.ca/eiregions/eng/rates_cur.aspx unemployment rate in your region].  
===How much you might get on EI===
The amount of EI you get depends on the type of EI benefit, how much you’ve been earning, and where you live.


You can get more if you are in a low-income family or otherwise qualify for a '''family supplement'''.  
For most people, the basic rate for calculating EI regular benefits is 55% of your pay, up to a maximum amount. The maximum amount changes over time. The federal government posts the current figure. [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/benefit-amount.html See their website].


====Your benefits may be reduced if you earn certain income====
In calculating your EI benefits, the government considers your gross earnings (before deductions), including tips and commissions. EI benefits are taxable income, so taxes are deducted.
Your EI benefits may be reduced if you earn other types of income during your benefit period. These include:
*Pension income from the Canada Pension Plan or a provincial pension plan.
*Pension income from employment (unless you’ve worked at another job long enough, after the pension starts, to qualify for EI).
*Money awarded by a court for wrongful dismissal.
*Severance pay.
*“Callback pay”, which is money your employer pays you to come back to work for a short period after your employment has ended.
*Self-employment income.


====Other types of income won’t lower your EI benefits====
Your benefits may be reduced if you earn certain types of income during your benefit period. For example, income from self-employment. Other types of income won’t reduce your benefits, such as pension income from an RRSP or RRIF.
You can earn other types of income without having your EI benefits reduced. These include pension income from an RRSP or RRIF, the Old Age Security pension, or disability benefits.


==Apply for EI benefits==
The federal government provides a full list of income types, and how they affect EI benefits. [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/earnings-chart.html See the EI earnings chart].


===Step 1. Gather your information===
You can work part-time and still get EI. Under the working while on claim rules, you keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar you earn in wages, up to a maximum amount.
Before applying for Employment Insurance benefits, collect all the documents and information you’ll need. These include:
*your Social Insurance Number
*your personal identification (for example, your driver’s licence or passport)
*your bank information for direct deposit
*details of your most recent employment (including your salary and other benefits)
*your detailed version of the circumstances of your leaving your job
*your Record of Employment (ROE), a document that proves you were employed (you will need an ROE from each employer you worked for in the previous 52 weeks)


If you are claiming sickness benefits or benefits to allow you to care for someone, you’ll need to obtain a medical certificate in support.
==Apply for EI benefits==
 
===Step 2. Submit the application===
You should apply for EI benefits as soon as you stop working. You can apply for benefits even if you receive money when you leave your job, and even if you have not yet received your Record of Employment. If you delay applying for more than four weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits.
 
You must apply for EI using an online application form. You can fill it out:
*online at [http://www.canada.ca/ei canada.ca/ei]
*at a [http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-hme.jsp?lang=eng Service Canada office]
 
===Step 3. After you apply===
If your application for EI benefits is approved, there may be a one-week “waiting period” for which you will not be paid.
 
If your application is denied, Service Canada will contact you by letter or phone to explain why. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to ask for a reconsideration.
 
===Step 4. Request a reconsideration===
If your application for EI benefits is denied, your first step to challenge the decision is to request a '''reconsideration'''. There is no cost to do this. You must submit your request to Service Canada within 30 days from when the decision was sent to you. If you miss the deadline, you must provide a reason why.
 
To request a reconsideration, fill out the online [https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/apps/EForms/pdf/en/SC-INS5210.pdf request for reconsideration form]. Once you’ve filled it out, print, sign and mail the form to your regional Service Canada office noted on the form.


===Step 5. Appeal to the Social Security Tribunal===
===The steps involved===
If you disagree with the decision made on your request for reconsideration, you can appeal to the [http://www1.canada.ca/en/sst/index.html Social Security Tribunal]. This is a body similar to a court that hears appeals on pensions and benefits provided by the federal government.
Here are the steps to apply for EI benefits.


You must submit your appeal within 30 days of receiving the reconsideration decision. The appeal must be in the [https://www1.canada.ca/en/sst/forms.html prescribed form]. Service Canada has more information about how to appeal on its [http://www1.canada.ca/en/sst/ei/howto.html website].
'''Step 1'''. Gather your information


The tribunal will consider your appeal. They may hold a hearing, which could happen by teleconference, in person, or in writing. The tribunal will make a decision on your appeal and send you the decision in writing.
'''Step 2'''. Apply for benefits


If you disagree with the tribunal’s decision on your appeal, you can ask for “leave” (permission) to make a further appeal to the Appeal Division of the Social Security Tribunal.
'''Step 3'''. After you apply


==Common questions==
'''Step 4'''. If your application is denied, request a reconsideration


===Can I work part-time and still get EI?===
'''Step 5'''. Appeal the reconsideration decision
Yes, up to a point. If you earn money while receiving EI benefits, you can keep 50 cents of your benefits for every dollar you earn, up to 90% of your previous weekly earnings (roughly four and a half days of work). Above this cap, your EI benefits are deducted dollar-for-dollar.


You must report any income you earn while you’re receiving EI. You need to submit your report and declare your earnings [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-internet-reporting.html online] each week.
===More on each step===
'''Step 1. Gather your information'''<br>
Collect all the documents and information you’ll need. These include:


You are not eligible to receive EI benefits if you work a full week, regardless of the amount you earn. 
* your social insurance number
* your government-issued ID
* details of your most recent employment, including your salary and why you left
* your record of employment (ROE), which is a form the employer prepares saying how long you worked for them and how much you earned


===Can I get EI if I’m self-employed?===
'''Step 2. Apply for benefits'''<br>
Yes. Under the [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/sc-1996-c-23/latest/sc-1996-c-23.html#sec152.01subsec1_smooth law in Canada], self-employed workers can get special benefits in some cases. To be eligible, you must:
You should apply for EI as soon as you stop working. If you delay, you may lose benefits.
*be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident,
*register with the government (by signing an agreement),
*operate your own business, or work for a corporation but control more than 40% of the voting shares, and
*wait 12 months after registering.


There are six types of EI special benefits available to self-employed workers. The [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/reports/self-employed-special-benefits.html Service Canada website] describes them in detail, and has instructions on how to apply.  
To apply, you must start your application online. If you don’t have internet access at home, you can apply at a public internet access site, like a library. Here's the [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/privacy-notice.html online application form].


===What must I do while receiving EI benefits?===
'''Step 3. After you apply'''<br>
While you are receiving EI benefits, you must submit a report every two weeks to show you're still eligible to receive benefits. You can submit your report:
If your application is approved, there may be a one-week waiting period for which you won’t be paid.
*online, using the federal government’s [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-internet-reporting.html Internet Reporting Service]
*by phone, using the [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-telephone-reporting.html Telephone Reporting Service] at 1-800-531-7555
*by filling out and submitting a [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-paper-reports.html paper copy]


===How long can I collect EI?===
If your application is denied, Service Canada will contact you by letter or phone to explain why.
You can get regular EI benefits for a period ranging from 14 to 45 weeks. The exact period depends on the [http://srv129.services.gc.ca/eiregions/eng/postalcode_search.aspx unemployment rate in your region], and the number of insurable hours you worked in the qualifying period.  


This [http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/e-5.6/page-38.html#h-72 chart] can help you figure out how long you’re eligible to collect.
'''Step 4. If your application is denied, request a reconsideration'''<br>
If your application is denied, your first step to challenge the decision is to request a reconsideration. There is no cost to do this.


===Might I have to repay some EI?===
'''Step 5. Appeal the reconsideration decision'''<br>
Yes. After you file your income tax return, you may have to repay part of the EI benefits you received. It depends on your net income and the amount of EI benefits you received.
If you disagree with the decision made on your reconsideration request, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal. This is a body similar to a court. It hears appeals on pensions and benefits provided by the federal government.


===Can I leave Canada temporarily and still get EI benefits?===
===Go deeper===
In some circumstances, you can leave Canada and still receive Employment Insurance benefits.
We have more detail on these steps if you want to go further. [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/applying-employment-insurance/ See our in-depth information on applying for EI].


While traveling abroad, your EI benefits won’t be interrupted if you’re outside of Canada for '''up to seven consecutive days''' to do one of the following:
==Who can help==
*Attend the funeral of a member of your immediate family or a close relative.
===Helpful agencies===
*Accompany a member of your immediate family to a medical facility, if the treatment isn’t available where they live in Canada.
For help with applying for employment insurance benefits.
*Visit a member of your immediate family who is seriously ill or injured.
*Attend a job interview.


You can also be outside of Canada for up to 14 days in a row if you’re looking for a job.
:'''Service Canada'''
:This federal government agency helps people access the employment insurance program.
:Call 1-800-206-7218
:[https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact.html Visit website]


===Can I work or live outside Canada and still get EI?===
===Legal advice===
Typically, if you work outside of Canada for a Canadian company or the Canadian government, you’re eligible for EI benefits. However, you can’t collect EI benefits if your job is covered by a similar program in the country you’re working in.  
There are options for free legal advice.
:'''Lawyer Referral Service'''
:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
:Call 1-800-663-1919
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service Visit website]


If you live outside Canada, you may be eligible for some types of EI in certain cases. As well, you may be eligible if you live in Canada or the US and regularly cross the Canada/US border between your home and workplace.
:'''Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice'''
:Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income.
:Call 1-877-762-6664
:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/get-legal-help Visit website]


The [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/reports/outside-canada.html Service Canada website] has more information about EI for workers and residents outside of Canada.
:'''People’s Law School'''
:See more options for free or low-cost legal help.
:[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/options-legal-help/?utm_source=beagle Visit website]


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Revision as of 02:43, 10 October 2023

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Trevor Thomas, Ascent Employment Law in October 2022.
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In Canada, the government offers financial assistance to people who are without work. Learn whether you’re eligible for employment insurance benefits, and the steps to apply for benefits.

What you should know

Employment insurance benefits help people who are without work

Employment insurance benefits are temporary payments made to people who lose their job through no fault of their own.

EI, as it’s often called, also offers help if you can’t work because of illness or injury. And it provides benefits for people who take time off work to have or parent a child, or to care for family members who are ill or injured.

The EI program is run by the federal government.

Types of EI benefits available

EI regular benefits are for people who lose their job through no fault of their own — for example, you were laid off.

There are also other types of EI benefits available.

  • Maternity and parental benefits are for people who can’t work because they’re pregnant, recently had a baby, are adopting a child, or are caring for a baby.
  • Sickness benefits are for people who can’t work because they’re ill, injured, or quarantined.

There are benefits available for caregivers.

  • Family caregiver benefits are for people who can’t work because they’ve stepped away to care for or support a critically ill or injured family member.
  • Compassionate care benefits are for people who can’t work because they’ve stepped away to care for or support a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death within six months.
  • Benefits for parents of critically ill children are for eligible parents who take time off work to care for their critically ill or injured child.

And there are fishing benefits for self-employed fishers who are actively seeking work.

Qualifying for EI benefits

To qualify for EI regular benefits, you must:

  • in the last 52 weeks, have worked a minimum number of hours in work covered by the EI program
  • have lost your job through no fault of your own (you won't qualify if you were fired for misconduct or chose to quit when you had other options)
  • have gone seven straight days without work or pay from a particular employer

The federal government website goes through these requirements, and who qualifies for the other types of EI benefits. Visit the website.

How much you might get on EI

The amount of EI you get depends on the type of EI benefit, how much you’ve been earning, and where you live.

For most people, the basic rate for calculating EI regular benefits is 55% of your pay, up to a maximum amount. The maximum amount changes over time. The federal government posts the current figure. See their website.

In calculating your EI benefits, the government considers your gross earnings (before deductions), including tips and commissions. EI benefits are taxable income, so taxes are deducted.

Your benefits may be reduced if you earn certain types of income during your benefit period. For example, income from self-employment. Other types of income won’t reduce your benefits, such as pension income from an RRSP or RRIF.

The federal government provides a full list of income types, and how they affect EI benefits. See the EI earnings chart.

You can work part-time and still get EI. Under the working while on claim rules, you keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar you earn in wages, up to a maximum amount.

Apply for EI benefits

The steps involved

Here are the steps to apply for EI benefits.

Step 1. Gather your information

Step 2. Apply for benefits

Step 3. After you apply

Step 4. If your application is denied, request a reconsideration

Step 5. Appeal the reconsideration decision

More on each step

Step 1. Gather your information
Collect all the documents and information you’ll need. These include:

  • your social insurance number
  • your government-issued ID
  • details of your most recent employment, including your salary and why you left
  • your record of employment (ROE), which is a form the employer prepares saying how long you worked for them and how much you earned

Step 2. Apply for benefits
You should apply for EI as soon as you stop working. If you delay, you may lose benefits.

To apply, you must start your application online. If you don’t have internet access at home, you can apply at a public internet access site, like a library. Here's the online application form.

Step 3. After you apply
If your application is approved, there may be a one-week waiting period for which you won’t be paid.

If your application is denied, Service Canada will contact you by letter or phone to explain why.

Step 4. If your application is denied, request a reconsideration
If your application is denied, your first step to challenge the decision is to request a reconsideration. There is no cost to do this.

Step 5. Appeal the reconsideration decision
If you disagree with the decision made on your reconsideration request, you can appeal to the Social Security Tribunal. This is a body similar to a court. It hears appeals on pensions and benefits provided by the federal government.

Go deeper

We have more detail on these steps if you want to go further. See our in-depth information on applying for EI.

Who can help

Helpful agencies

For help with applying for employment insurance benefits.

Service Canada
This federal government agency helps people access the employment insurance program.
Call 1-800-206-7218
Visit website

Legal advice

There are options for free legal advice.

Lawyer Referral Service
Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
Call 1-800-663-1919
Visit website
Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice
Volunteer lawyers provide 30 minutes of free legal advice to people with low or modest income.
Call 1-877-762-6664
Visit website
People’s Law School
See more options for free or low-cost legal help.
Visit website
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