Unifor EI Basics - Frequently Asked Questions

How and where do I apply for EI Regular Benefits? 

To apply for EI benefits, you must submit an application for EI online. This can be done at home, at a public internet access site (public library for example) or at your Service Canada Centre. To access the application for EI Regular Benefits go to https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/apply.html

How Do I Qualify for EI Regular Benefits?

In most cases, you must have accumulated between 420 and 700 insurable hours during your qualifying period, depending on the unemployment rate in your region at the time your claim is established. You must also have experienced an interruption of earnings and been without work and pay for at least 7 consecutive days.

The number of hours required to qualify for EI Regular Benefits depends on the unemployment rate in your region at the time you apply. Generally, workers in regions with higher unemployment rates require fewer hours to qualify, while workers in regions with lower unemployment rates require more hours.

For example: For the period of May 10, 2026 to June 6, 2026 - a worker living in the Toronto, Ontario needs at least 700 hours to qualify for regular EI benefits yet a worker in St. John’s Newfoundland needs at least 665 hours.  A worker who had an EI claim in the last year may have weeks left on the old one and want to finish it before starting a new one - ask EI staff if it’s to your advantage to do so.

Qualifying requirements may also be temporarily adjusted through special EI measures. Members should always verify current requirements with Service Canada.

To find the regional unemployment rate in your region by postal code visit: https://srv129.services.gc.ca/ei_regions/eng/postalcode_search.aspx 

How Long can I Receive EI?

The duration of your EI benefits depends on the regional unemployment rate during the month you’re laid off and the number of insurable hours you accumulated in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim, whichever is shorter.

If you become sick or take maternity, parental or compassionate care leave while on regular EI, different duration rules apply. 

For example: A worker can receive EI from 14 weeks up to a maximum of 45 weeks.  For the period of May 10, 2026 to June 6, 2026 - a worker living in the Toronto, Ontario area is eligible for a maximum of 42 weeks of EI, whereas a worker living in St. John’s Newfoundland is eligible for a maximum of 38 weeks of EI, depending on their insurable hours. A waiting period may also apply before benefits are payable; however, this requirement may be temporarily modified under special EI measures. Members should always verify current rules and eligibility requirements with Service Canada.

How much do I Receive?

The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a yearly maximum insurable amount of $69,700 (as of January 1, 2026). This means you can receive a maximum payment of $737 per week. Your EI payment is a taxable income, meaning federal and provincial or territorial, if it applies, taxes will be deducted.

When should I Apply for EI?

The day you are laid off. You have 4 weeks from your last work day to file for EI benefits. If you delay you risk losing benefits. To apply for EI benefits, you must submit an application for EI online. This can be done at home, at a public internet access site (public library for example) or at your Service Canada Centre. To access the application for EI Regular Benefits go to https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/apply.html.

Can I request to have additional taxes deducted from my EI benefits?

Claimants may wish to have their income tax deductions increased in order to avoid having to pay a large amount of income tax at year-end. This request can be made by phone, mail or in person. To view contact information and approximate Service Canada wait times visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/contact/ei-individual.html 

How do I receive my EI payment?

Shortly after applying for EI, you will receive a benefit statement in the mail. The statement includes your Access Code (4-digit number), which is printed in the shaded area at the top of the benefit statement. Your Access Code is needed to submit your required bi-weekly reports and to get information about your claim. Access the instructions  on when and how to complete your reports with the Internet Reporting Service  or the Telephone Reporting Service.  If you cannot complete your reports by internet or by telephone, you will need to complete and mail them to Service Canada. Keep in mind that receiving a benefit statement does not mean that a decision has been made yet on your claim.

When should I expect my first payment?

If Service Canada has all the required information and if you qualify for benefits, your payment will be issued usually within 28 days from the date Service Canada receives your application. If you do not qualify, they will notify you of the decision made on your claim.

How do I get EI deposited directly into my bank account?

Generally, when you use Service Canada’s Internet Reporting service or our Telephone Reporting Service with direct deposit, your payment is then deposited directly to your bank account.

To apply for direct deposit, you need your complete bank account information, as shown on your cheque or bank statement. Once you have this information:

What If I Receive Separation Payments (ie. Severance)?

Always file for EI right away or you may end up losing benefit weeks. 

EI will automatically “allocate” vacation pay and termination pay in lieu of notice to a number of weeks at the start of your claim and will not pay EI benefits during those weeks. If you are still unemployed when your claim runs out, EI will extend the claim for a period equal to the allocation period (but not after the 2-year anniversary of layoff). Consult the EI earnings chart for the different types of monies paid or payable on separation and to determine how the monies will be allocated here: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/earnings-chart.html#severance. 

Severance pay may be held in trust while you retain recall rights (which may end with a full closure).  The EI allocation does not occur until recall rights are ended/abandoned and the severance paid.  This allocation is NOT retroactive.  If you have not received all your benefit weeks when the severance allocation begins and you’re still looking for work after the allocation, EI extends your claim period by an equal number of weeks at the back end (to the 2 year anniversary of layoff).

If your severance pay is transferred to an RRSP, there may be a tax savings but EI will still allocate the money as if it went directly into your wallet. 

* EI rules regarding separation monies, waiting periods, qualifying hours, and benefit durations may be temporarily modified through special government measures. Members should always consult Service Canada for the most current information.

What are the Rules for Regular EI Benefits?

To avoid disqualifications, disentitlements and penalties:

  • be willing and able to work. 
  • be looking for work.
  • report income from all employment (farming, self-employment, etc.).
  • report absences out of country. 
  • follow EI staff instructions.
  • report all work you do, even if you’ll be paid later.

These rules do not apply during a period of severance pay allocation. If you think you’ve been unfairly denied benefits, you have the right to appeal. Employment Insurance appeals are now heard through the EI Board of Appeal.

What about Supports for Training and Schooling?

Tuition, books, income and other supports may be available from the provincial government. Do NOT start a class (even one you pay for) before getting more information - or you may risk your EI benefits and access to other supports.

Receiving Social Assistance while waiting for your EI benefits

If you receive financial assistance or advances from a Social Services program, you may have to reimburse that money out of your EI benefits. To find out more please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/reports/social-assistance.html 

What information/documents are needed to apply?

  • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).  If your SIN begins with a 9, you need to supply proof of your immigration status and work permit.
  • Your mother’s maiden name.
  • Your mailing and residential addresses. This includes postal codes.
  • The names and addresses of all employers you worked for in the last 52 weeks.  This should include the dates of employment and the reasons for separation from these employers.
  • A Record of Employment (ROE) - If your employers issue ROEs in paper format, you must request ROEs from all your employers who issued ROEs in paper format in the last 52 weeks.  However, if your employer submits your ROE to Service Canada electronically, you do not need to request a paper copy of your ROE from your employer since they will receive it electronically from your employer.  On the same day your employer submits it, you will be able to view and print copies of your ROE online using My Service Canada Account.
  • If accessible: the dates (Sunday to Saturday) and earnings for each of your highest paid weeks of insurable earnings in the last 52-week period (or since the start of your last EI clam).  This information is used, along with your Record(s) of Employment, to calculate your weekly EI benefit rate. Remember to also report any gross amounts received or to be received including: vacation pay, severance pay, pension, pay in lieu of notice or lay off and other monies. 
  • Personal identification.  This can be your driver's license, birth certificate or passport if you are applying in person.