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 |