Employment Insurance benefits
Reviewed: December 31, 2022
Employment Insurance (EI) |
To qualify for any Employment Insurance (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 caregiving benefits |
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(*3) This can be done by a doctor or a nurse practitioner |
EI maternity benefits |
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(*4) 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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(*5) 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.
(*6) Both parents must share the weeks of eligibility. |
For more information about Employment Insurance benefits, visit stepstojustice.ca/emp-ins.
This is general legal information for people in Ontario, Canada. It is not intended to be used
as legal advice.
as legal advice.