✅ Introduction:
If you lose your job, get sick, or take maternity leave in Canada, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. These temporary payments help protect you financially during life’s disruptions.
This guide covers all types of EI — Regular, Sickness, Maternity, Parental, and Caregiving Benefits — with eligibility, documents, and application process.
✅ Types of Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits:
- EI Regular Benefits
✔ For people who lose jobs through no fault of their own (layoffs, company closure).
✔ 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings — up to $668/week (2025 rate).
👉 Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit.html
- EI Sickness Benefits
✔ Up to 15 weeks of income if you can’t work due to illness, injury, or quarantine.
✔ Same rate — 55% of earnings.
👉 Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html
- EI Maternity & Parental Benefits
✔ For pregnant workers or new parents.
✔ Maternity: up to 15 weeks
✔ Parental: up to 40 weeks (shared between partners)
👉 Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-maternity-parental.html
- EI Caregiving Benefits
✔ Up to 35 weeks for caring for critically ill or injured family members.
👉 Apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiving.html
✅ Benefits of Employment Insurance:
✔ Temporary financial relief during job loss, sickness, or maternity
✔ Access to job search & training services via Service Canada
✔ Caregiver support for family emergencies
✅ Who is Eligible?
✔ Paid into EI program (deductions on pay stub)
✔ 420–700 insured hours in the last 52 weeks (varies by region)
✔ Lost job through no fault — not fired for cause or quit without reason
✔ Must be ready and able to work (for EI Regular)
✅ Required Documents:
- Record of Employment (ROE) from employer
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Medical certificate (for Sickness Benefit)
- Proof of pregnancy/birth (for Maternity/Parental)
- Government-issued ID
✅ How to Apply for EI:
- Apply online: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-apply-online.html
- Provide all documents within 28 days of last working day.
- Wait 2 weeks for decision — payments issued bi-weekly.
✅ Payment Examples (2025):
EI Benefit Type Max Weekly Benefit Duration
Regular $668 Up to 45 weeks
Sickness $668 Up to 15 weeks
Maternity $668 Up to 15 weeks
Parental (shared) $668 Up to 40 weeks
Caregiving $668 Up to 35 weeks
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Delaying application (must apply within 4 weeks of job loss)
Incomplete ROE from employer
Not reporting part-time income (can reduce benefit)
✅ Tips for Fast EI Approval:
✔ Apply immediately after your last working day
✔ Submit complete ROE & documents online
✔ Use My Service Canada Account for updates
✅ Related Benefits You May Qualify For:
✔ Lost job? Also check Cash Aid:
👉 How to Apply for Cash & Financial Aid in Canada
✔ Need housing help during unemployment?
👉 How to Apply for Housing & Utility Aid in Canada
✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can self-employed people get EI?
✔ Only if registered for special EI Self-Employed program.
Q2: Can I get EI if I quit?
❌ No — unless quitting was for a valid reason (health, harassment).
Q3: Is EI taxable?
✔ Yes — tax deducted before payments.
✅ Conclusion:
Employment Insurance ensures income stability during tough times — job loss, sickness, maternity, or caregiving. Apply early and stay informed via Service Canada portals for maximum support.
👉 Full info: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html