What is Employment Insurance?
Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program that provides regular income to people who are unemployed and are either looking for work, are sick, are caring for a family member, or are on parental leave. Eligible individuals can receive Employment Insurance payments for a maximum of 26 weeks.
Who is Eligible for Employment Insurance?
In order to be eligible for Employment Insurance, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own and have worked a certain number of hours in the past 52 weeks. The number of hours you need to have worked depends on the region you live in.
How Do I Apply for Employment Insurance?
To apply for Employment Insurance, you must complete an application form and submit it to Service Canada, either in person or online. You will need to provide information such as your Social Insurance Number, your address, and your employment history.
How Much Can I Receive in Employment Insurance Benefits?
The amount of Employment Insurance benefits you can receive depends on how much you made in the past year. The maximum amount you can receive is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount set by the government each year.
What Can I Use Employment Insurance Benefits For?
Employment Insurance benefits can be used to cover expenses such as rent, groceries, and other basic living costs. The money can also be used to pay for job search activities, such as attending job fairs or workshops.
Employment Insurance FAQs
What happens if I am unable to work due to illness?
If you are unable to work due to illness, you may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance sickness benefits. In order to receive these benefits, you must provide medical documentation from a qualified health practitioner, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner.
What documents do I need to apply for Employment Insurance?
You will need to provide documents such as your Social Insurance Number, your address, and your employment history in order to apply for Employment Insurance.
Do I need to be looking for work in order to receive Employment Insurance benefits?
Yes, in order to receive Employment Insurance benefits, you must be actively looking for work. This may include attending job fairs, workshops, or other job search activities.