Employment Insurance benefits
Reviewed: December 31, 2023
Employment Insurance (EI) |
To qualify for any EI program, you must have worked enough “insurable hours” in your qualifying period. Your qualifying period is normally the 52 weeks before you apply. |
Who’s eligible | Amount and how to apply | Notes | |
EI regular benefits |
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1. The number of hours you need depends on the unemployment rate in your region: srv129.services.gc.ca/eiregions/eng/rates_cur.aspx |
EI sickness benefits |
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2. You’ll need medical proof of your sickness or injury. |
EI maternity benefits |
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3. You can start 12 weeks before your due date or the day you give birth. You can get the benefits for up to 17 weeks after you give birth.
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EI parental benefits |
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Standard benefits (35 weeks):
Extended benefits (61 weeks):
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4. You must use the standard leave within 52 weeks of your child’s birth or adoption, or within 78 weeks if you take an extended leave.
5. Both parents must share the weeks of eligibility. |
EI caregiving benefits |
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6. This can be done by a doctor or a nurse practitioner. |
For more information about Employment Insurance, visit stepstojustice.ca/emp-ins. This is general information for people in Ontario, Canada. It is not legal advice.
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