I lost my job for reasons beyond my control. Can I get EI?

Changes to regular EI benefits:

  • Until October 11, 2025, you do not have to wait one week to get your first payment. And you can get EI payments and other payments at the same time when you leave your job. This includes , , and vacation pay.
  • Until July 12, 2025, you may need fewer hours to qualify for EI and could get EI for a few weeks longer. Use this tool to find out how many hours you need to qualify and how many weeks you can get payments.

Employment Insurance (EI) benefits provide some short-term financial help for people who are out of work. Most jobs in Canada take money from your paycheque to pay into the EI program. Even if your employer hasn't paid into the program, you might still be able to get EI.

If you apply more than 4 weeks after you have an , it may be harder to get approved for EI. If you are approved, you might get less money. This is because there will be a large period of time where you have no hours worked and no money earned.

There are different EI benefits that might be available for your situation. These are:

You might be able to get EI regular benefits if you:

  • were employed in
  • lost your job through no fault of your own
  • have not worked or been paid for at least 7 days
  • worked enough hours to qualify for EI, usually in the last 52 weeks

You must also be ready and able to work right away, and actively looking for work.

You might not be able to get EI regular benefits if you:

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