Employment Insurance
Government of Canada
During COVID-19 this program has undergone a number of changes. Please consult this website for more details.
Provides temporary regular financial benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can't find a job; able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible.
Visit thewebsite for specific details.
Eligibility
Individuals may be entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) regular benefits if they:
- were employed in insurable employment;
- lost their job through no fault of their own;
- have been without work and without pay for at least seven consecutive days in the last 52 weeks;
- have worked for the required number of insurable employment hours in the last 52 weeks or since the start of their last EI claim, whichever is shorter;
- are ready, willing and capable of working each day;
- are actively looking for work (must keep a written record of employers contacted)
There are special situations where individuals may be eligible even if they do not fit the above criteria. Individuals are encouraged to apply so that the processing agents can determine eligibility.
Application
Apply online. Applications should be submitted as soon as they stop working. Individuals can apply for benefits even if they have not yet received their Record of Employment (ROE)
Fees
None
Accessibility
Fully Accessible
Languages
English; French
Areas Served
Ontario
Agency Type
Federal Government