Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment

• able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible

Basic benefit rate is 55% of average insured earnings up to a maximum amount. In 2022, the maximum amount is $638 per week.

Family Supplement: for low income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit

• amount based on annual net family income up to $25,921 and on the number of children in the family and their ages
• entitlement will be added to EI payment

Special Benefits:

• sickness benefits
• compassionate care
• benefits for the self-employed
• benefits for Canadians living abroad
• family caregiver benefit for children
• family caregiver benefit for adults
• fishing benefits

Maternity or parental benefits

• 15 weeks maternity benefits
• 35 week standard parental benefits which can be shared by the two parents (children born or adopted)
• 61 weeks extended parental benefits which can be shared by both parents (children born or adopted

• for individuals without access to the Internet, or facing other barriers, a Service Canada Outreach Support Centre is available by phone at 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 4 pm

Telephone information service Mon-Sun 24 hours
call Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm to speak to an agent

Persons legally entitled to work in Canada who have an interruption of earnings due to shortage of work, injury, quarantine, pregnancy, adoption, personal illness, or a grave illness/injury in the family



• Eligibility criteria for EI regular benefits



• Eligibility criteria for EI maternity of parental benefits



• Eligibility criteria for EI sickness benefit



• Eligibility criteria for EI compassionate care benefit



• Eligibility criteria for EI special benefits for self-employed people



• Eligibility criteria for family caregiver benefit for children



• Eligibility criteria for family caregiver benefit for adults

Apply online at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-apply-online.html * it takes approximately 60 minutes to complete the application

A checklist of information needed to apply and of when to apply is available on the website

A benefits finder is also available on the website