Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment

• able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible

Basic benefit rate is 55% of average insured earnings up to a maximum amount. In 2022, the maximum amount is $638 per week.

Family Supplement: for low income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit

• amount based on annual net family income up to $25,921 and on the number of children in the family and their ages
• entitlement will be added to EI payment

Special Benefits:

• sickness benefits
• compassionate care
• benefits for the self-employed
• benefits for Canadians living abroad
• family caregiver benefit for children
• family caregiver benefit for adults
• fishing benefits

Maternity or parental benefits

• 15 weeks maternity benefits
• 35 week standard parental benefits which can be shared by the two parents (children born or adopted)
• 61 weeks extended parental benefits which can be shared by both parents (children born or adopted

For information from Employment and Social Development Canada regarding the Employment Insurance sickness benefits for those affect by COVID-19: Click Here

• for individuals without access to the Internet, or facing other barriers, a Service Canada Outreach Support Centre is available by phone at 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 4 pm

Telephone information service Mon-Sun 24 hours
call Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm to speak to an agent

Persons legally entitled to work in Canada who have an interruption of earnings due to shortage of work, injury, quarantine, pregnancy, adoption, personal illness, or a grave illness/injury in the family



• Eligibility criteria for EI regular benefits



• Eligibility criteria for EI maternity of parental benefits



• Eligibility criteria for EI sickness benefit



• Eligibility criteria for EI compassionate care benefit



• Eligibility criteria for EI special benefits for self-employed people



• Eligibility criteria for family caregiver benefit for children



• Eligibility criteria for family caregiver benefit for adults

Apply online at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-apply-online.html * it takes approximately 60 minutes to complete the application

A checklist of information needed to apply and of when to apply is available on the website

A benefits finder is also available on the website