Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada: Eligibility, Claims & Appeals

Do You Qualify for EI?

To qualify for regular EI benefits (job loss), you must:

• Have paid EI premiums through employment (most employees are covered; self-employed workers can opt in)
• Have accumulated 420–700 insurable hours in the last 52 weeks (the exact number depends on your regional unemployment rate)
• Have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, shortage of work, end of contract)
• Be available for work and actively looking for employment

Voluntary quitting generally disqualifies you unless you had "just cause" (e.g., harassment, unsafe conditions, significant change to your job). Being fired for misconduct also disqualifies you, though the definition of misconduct is narrower than most people think.

Types of EI Benefits

Benefit Rate & the Waiting Period

EI replaces 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum insurable earnings amount (adjusted annually — approximately $63,200 in 2025). The maximum weekly benefit is approximately $695/week.

There is a one-week waiting period (unpaid) at the start of your claim. You will not receive EI for that first week.

How to Apply

1. Apply online at canada.ca/ei as soon as possible — do not wait for your Record of Employment (ROE). Delay reduces your benefit weeks.
2. Your employer must issue your ROE within 5 calendar days of interruption of earnings.
3. You will receive a decision letter within 28 days in most cases.
4. While waiting, complete your biweekly claimant reports to keep your claim active.

EI Denied? How to Appeal

If Service Canada denies your claim or reduces your benefits, you have the right to appeal:

1. Request a Reconsideration — within 30 days of the decision, ask Service Canada to review the decision. Provide new evidence or explain why you disagree.
2. General Division of the Social Security Tribunal (SST) — if reconsideration is denied, appeal to the SST within 30 days. Hearings may be written, by phone, or in person.
3. Appeal Division of the SST — if the General Division rules against you, you may further appeal on a question of law or a reviewable error.

A paralegal or legal representative can prepare your appeal submissions, gather supporting documentation, and represent you at the SST.