Select one option below and get step-by-step guidance to apply for EI
Navigating the rules of Employment Insurance (EI) can be challenging, especially when trying to determine whether you qualify for regular or special benefits.
This guide explains exactly what you need to know to assess your EI eligibility — from the types of benefits available to the work and job-loss conditions that may qualify (or disqualify) you.
What is “insurable employment” and why does it matter?
Employment Insurance is only available to individuals who have worked in what is defined as insurable employment. This includes most jobs where you and your employer contribute to the EI program. If you’ve been receiving regular paycheques with EI deductions, your job is likely insurable.
⚠️ However, not all types of work count. Casual work — such as infrequent, unpredictable, or informal arrangements — is usually not insurable.
Additionally, jobs performed outside the scope of an employer’s direct business needs may also fall outside EI coverage.
For EI eligibility, only hours worked in insurable employment are counted. If you’re unsure about your job status, contact Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency for clarification.
Required hours for regular vs. special benefits
To qualify for EI, you need a minimum number of insurable hours during a defined qualifying period. This requirement varies depending on the type of benefit and your region’s unemployment rate.
- Regular benefits: Require between 420 and 700 hours of insurable work in the last 52 weeks (or since your last EI claim, if more recent).
- Special benefits (maternity, parental, sickness, caregiving): Require 600 hours within the same period.
- If you’ve received an EI violation notice in the past, your required hours increase — potentially up to 1,400 hours.
You can use the Government of Canada’s EI Economic Region Lookup Tool to find your region and check the exact number of hours required based on the current unemployment rate.
Losing your job: quit, fired or laid off — what qualifies?
Your reason for job separation is a critical factor in EI eligibility. You generally qualify for EI if you:
- Were laid off.
- Lost your job due to factors beyond your control (e.g. natural disasters).
- Left your job with just cause (e.g. harassment, unsafe conditions, family relocation).
❌ You usually don’t qualify if you:
- Quit without just cause.
- Were dismissed for misconduct.
- Are involved in a labour dispute (strike or lockout).
For job losses related to COVID-19 vaccination policies, eligibility depends on whether your employer had a clearly communicated and reasonable policy, and whether you had a valid exemption. These cases are reviewed individually.
What are regular benefits and who are they for?
Regular EI benefits are intended for workers who are temporarily unemployed through no fault of their own and are available and actively looking for work.
To receive and maintain these benefits, you must:
- Submit bi-weekly reports online or by phone.
- Keep a record of your job search efforts.
- Be available and willing to accept suitable employment.
📢 Important: These benefits do not cover individuals who are incarcerated (unless later found not guilty) or those on paid leave arrangements involving overtime compensation.
For full details, visit the EI regular benefits page.
Maternity vs. parental: what’s the difference?
EI provides both maternity and parental benefits, but they apply to different situations:
- Maternity benefits: For birthing parents only, covering up to 15 weeks.
- Parental benefits: For any parent, including adoptive parents.
- Standard option: Up to 40 weeks (maximum 35 per parent).
- Extended option: Up to 69 weeks (maximum 61 per parent), with lower weekly payments.
📌 Both benefits require 600 hours of insurable employment to qualify and fall under special benefits.
See more details on the EI maternity and parental benefits page.
EI sickness benefits: medical proof, duration, conditions
If you’re unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine, EI sickness benefits may provide support for up to 26 weeks.
👉 To qualify, you must:
- Be unable to work, but otherwise available.
- Submit a medical certificate confirming your condition and estimated duration.
- Meet the 600-hour insurable employment threshold.
Learn more on the EI sickness benefits page.
Caregiving benefits: who qualifies and for which situations
Caregiving benefits offer financial support for people who take time off work to care for someone who is critically ill or nearing the end of life. Types include:
- Family Caregiver Benefit for Children – up to 35 weeks.
- Family Caregiver Benefit for Adults – up to 15 weeks.
- Compassionate Care Benefit – up to 26 weeks.
📢 To qualify, you must submit a medical certificate and meet the usual 600-hour requirement.
More information is available on the EI caregiving benefits page.
EI for self-employed and fishers: opting in and qualifying
Self-employed individuals can access special benefits if they’ve registered for EI at least 12 months prior to applying and have paid premiums.
You must also:
- Show a 40% reduction in weekly income.
- Meet the equivalent of 600 hours in qualifying earnings or activity.
➡️ Fishers are subject to separate rules under the EI Fishing Regulations. Eligibility depends on the value of their catch and the timing of fishing activity.
➡️ Other independent workers, like barbers or taxi drivers, may qualify depending on how their work is classified under EI regulations.
Understanding EI eligibility is key to accessing the support you may be entitled to in Canada. Whether you’re dealing with unemployment, welcoming a new child, recovering from illness, or caring for someone, knowing which benefits apply and how to qualify is the first step.
