How to get unemployment benefits in Canada when losing a job

The Canadian government understands that unemployment can lead to financial difficulties, so it offers Employment Insurance (EI) benefits — temporary financial assistance for those who qualify. Simply put, it's unemployment insurance. This income support program is funded by mandatory contributions from workers and employers and helps people avoid being left without means of subsistence during the transition period between jobs.

Who can receive unemployment benefits

To be eligible for EI, you must meet the following conditions:

• be officially employed in insurable employment (a type of employment for which the employer makes EI contributions);
• lose your job through no fault of your own (dismissal without cause, dismissal due to harassment or toxic work environment, job loss due to emergency);
• be without work and pay for 7 consecutive days in the last 52 weeks;
• have worked the required number of insurable hours in the last 52 weeks;
• be ready, willing and capable of working full-time;
• actively search for work and keep a written record of employer contacts.

It's important to apply as soon as possible after losing your job. If you apply later than 4 weeks after your last working day, you may lose your right to benefits.

When benefits are not paid

You won't receive benefits in the following cases:

• you voluntarily quit your job without just cause;
• you were fired for misconduct or violation of rules;
• you're unemployed due to participation in a labor dispute (strike, lockout);
• you're serving a prison sentence;
• you're on leave compensating for previously worked overtime.

Work hours required to receive benefits

To qualify for benefits, you need to have worked between 420 and 700 hours of insurable employment in the last 52 weeks. The number of required hours depends on the unemployment rate in your region:

• With unemployment at 13.1% and above — 420 hours
• With unemployment at 6% and below — 700 hours
• For intermediate rates — between 455 and 665 hours

If you were issued a violation in previous EI payment periods, the number of required hours may increase to 1,400 hours. In 2025, temporary measures are in effect: for regions with unemployment rates below 13.1%, an artificially increased rate is applied, which temporarily reduces the work hour requirements for many applicants.

Amount of unemployment benefits

The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, which includes wages, tips, bonuses, and commissions. For 2025, the maximum annual insurable amount is $65,700 CAD, which gives a maximum payment of $695 CAD per week.

Example of benefit calculation

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Let's say you earned $30 CAD per hour and worked 40 hours per week. Your weekly income was:

$30 × 40 = $1,200 CAD

The EI payment will be 55% of this amount:

$1,200 × 0.55 = $660 CAD per week

Since this is below the established maximum ($695), you'll receive the full amount — $660 CAD each week, as long as you meet the program conditions.

Family supplements

If your family income is less than $25,921 CAD per year and you have children, you may be eligible for an additional family benefit (EI Family Supplement). This supplement can increase your benefit to up to 80% of your average earnings. If both spouses are eligible for benefits, only one will receive the supplement — usually the one with the lower basic benefit amount.

Duration of payments

You can receive payments from 14 to 45 weeks depending on the unemployment rate in your region and the number of insurable hours worked in the last 52 weeks. For example:

• With 420-700 hours worked in a region with low unemployment — 14-19 weeks
• With the same number of hours in a region with high unemployment — up to 45 weeks
• Seasonal workers can receive up to 45 weeks of payments

Special cases for receiving benefits

There are specific situations where you can claim benefits for non-traditional forms of employment:

• working for relatives (subject to additional conditions);
• working in agriculture or fishing;
• working as a teacher with seasonal employment;
• self-employment with participation in a special insurance program;
• service in the Canadian Armed Forces.

How to apply

You can apply online on the Government of Canada website. Filling out the application takes about 60 minutes. You can also apply in person at the nearest Service Canada office or by phone in special cases.

To apply, you'll need:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN);
• mother's maiden name;
• mailing and residential addresses;
• bank account information;
• information about all places of employment for the past year;
• detailed description of the dismissal situation;
• maximum weekly earnings for the past year;
• Record of Employment from your employer.

Important changes in 2025

In 2025, temporary improvements to the EI program are in effect:

• The one-week waiting period is waived for applications submitted between March 30 and October 11, 2025 — payments start immediately
• The unemployment rate is artificially increased in regions with rates below 13.1%, which reduces requirements for receiving benefits
• Severance pay does not affect EI receipt from March to October 2025

Responsibilities of benefit recipients

After your application is approved, you must submit reports every two weeks, confirming that you:

• are actively looking for work;
• are not refusing suitable job offers;
• are not receiving other income;
• remain ready and able to work.

Records of your job search must be kept for 6 years. You may be asked to provide detailed information about contacts with employers as proof of active job searching.

Taxes and deductions

Federal and provincial taxes are deducted from EI payments. The actual amount after tax deductions depends on the province, tax deductions, and family status. With a payment of $660 per week, you'll receive approximately $500-$550 CAD in hand, but the exact amount may vary depending on your individual circumstances.

Additional types of EI benefits

In addition to regular unemployment benefits, EI also includes payments for:

• pregnancy and maternity (up to 15 weeks);
• parental leave (up to 61 weeks for standard option or 35 weeks for extended option);
• sickness (up to 26 weeks from 2025);
• compassionate care for ill relatives (up to 35 weeks).

What to do if you're denied

If your application is rejected, you can:

• Request a review of the decision within 30 days
• Appeal to the Social Security Appeal Tribunal (SSAT)
• Submit a new application if circumstances have changed

Conclusion

Unemployment benefits are an important financial assistance program, but you shouldn't plan to live on benefits permanently. The EI program is designed to provide temporary support during the transition between jobs. To achieve a decent life and good income, it's important to take job searching in Canada seriously.

If you're considering moving to Canada and want to learn more about social support, employment, and immigration opportunities, schedule a consultation with a licensed specialist.