Employment Insurance (EI) — Service Canada: Free, walk in or by phone, at Service Canada Centre, 471 Queensway Ave Suite 106, Kelowna, BC. Who it's for: Regular benefits: worked in insurable employment; lost your job through no fault of your own; without work and pay for at least 7 days in a….
Categories: Employment, Financial Aid
If you lost your job, are sick, are pregnant or caring for a new child, or are caring for someone who is very ill, Employment Insurance (EI) may pay you for a while. ▸ Who can get this? (regular benefits after a job loss) • You lost your job through no fault of your own • You have been without work and pay for at least 7 days in a row in the last 52 weeks • You worked enough insurable hours in the last 52 weeks: 420 to 700, depending on where you live • You are ready and able to work each day, and you are looking for work You may not qualify if you quit without a good reason, lost your job for misconduct, or are on strike. ▸ What you get • For most people, 55% of your average weekly earnings, up to $729 a week (2026) • From 14 to 45 weeks, depending on your hours and your region's unemployment rate • EI is taxable. Tax is taken off your payments. ▸ How to apply 1. Apply online as soon as you stop working. If you wait more than 4 weeks after your last day, you may lose benefits. 2. The online form takes about 1 hour. It is saved for 3 days if you need a break. 3. Send in EI reports every 2 weeks, online or by phone, to keep getting paid. ▸ What you need • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If it starts with 9, proof of your immigration status and work permit. • Your mailing and home addresses • Bank details for direct deposit • Name, address, dates and reason you left each job in the last 52 weeks • Records of Employment (ROEs) from your employers. You can send papers after you apply. ▸ Good to know • The automated phone self-service and online applications are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • Temporary rules: for new claims that start between March 30, 2025 and October 10, 2026, there is no 1-week waiting period. Severance and other money paid when a job ends is not taken off your benefits. • Long-time workers with claims that start June 15, 2025 to October 10, 2026 may get 20 extra weeks (up to 65 weeks). • Check the EI page for any change to these end dates.
Also known as: EI employment insurance unemployment UI pogey job loss laid off sickness benefits maternity parental benefits caregiving record of employment ROE Service Canada
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