How to apply for EI in Canada

What EI is

Employment Insurance is a federal program run by Service Canada. EI regular benefits provide temporary income to people who lose their job through no fault of their own, for example because of a shortage of work or a layoff, and who are ready and able to work while they search for a new job. There are other types of EI, such as sickness, maternity, and parental benefits, but this guide focuses on regular benefits.

The amount you may receive and how long it may last depend on your situation and the rules in place when you apply. We are not going to quote figures here because they change. Check the current details on Canada.ca before you rely on any number.

Who can generally apply

EI regular benefits are meant for people who have worked in insurable employment and paid into the program through payroll deductions. In general terms, you may be able to apply if:

• You lost your job through no fault of your own, such as a layoff or shortage of work.
• You have been without work and without pay for a qualifying period.
• You worked enough insurable hours during the period Service Canada looks at.
• You are ready, willing, and able to work each day and are actively looking for a job.

Eligibility is decided by Service Canada based on your full record, not by any online guide. If you are unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway. It is better to apply and let them decide than to assume you do not qualify.

Apply as soon as you stop working

Do not wait to apply. A common piece of advice from Service Canada is to apply as soon as you stop working, even if you do not yet have every document in hand. If you delay too long after your last day of work, you could lose benefits. You can apply first and provide supporting information afterward.

The Record of Employment (ROE)

The Record of Employment is the single most important document in an EI claim. It is issued by your employer, not by you, and it shows your work history with that employer, your insurable hours, and your earnings. Service Canada uses it to decide whether you qualify and how your claim is calculated.

Most employers now file the ROE electronically straight to Service Canada, so you may never receive a paper copy. If your employer still issues a paper ROE, you provide it as part of your application. You can read more about this document in our overview of the Canada Record of Employment. If you think your employer has not issued your ROE, ask them about it, because a missing ROE is one of the most common reasons a claim stalls.

What you need before you start

Having your information ready makes the online application much faster. Gather the following:

• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If it starts with a 9, you also need proof of your immigration status and work permit.
• Your banking information for direct deposit, so payments go straight to your account. This means your branch (transit) number, institution number, and account number, which you can find on a cheque or a bank form. Our guide on how to write a void cheque shows exactly where those numbers are.
• Your employment history for the past year or so, including the names and addresses of your employers, your dates of employment, and the reason you stopped working.
• Your personal details, including your full mailing address and, if you were recently paid, the details of any final pay such as vacation pay or severance.

If you need to complete or sign any supporting PDF forms during this process, you can do that in your browser with our fill a PDF tool and keep the file on your own device.

Apply for EI online, step by step

1. Go to the official EI section on Canada.ca and open the online EI application. Applying online is the standard route and is available around the clock.
2. Read the intro screens so you know what to expect, then start the application. Set aside enough time, as it can take a while to finish in one sitting.
3. Enter your personal information, including your SIN, address, and contact details.
4. Enter your employment history, including each employer, your dates of work, and the reason you left each job.
5. Enter your banking information to set up direct deposit so payments reach you faster.
6. Review everything carefully. Mistakes can slow down your claim.
7. Submit the application. You will receive a confirmation and a benefit statement, which includes a four digit access code you will need later. Keep it somewhere safe.

If you cannot finish in one session, you can usually save and return, but do not leave it too long. When you submit, Service Canada matches your application with the ROE from your employer.

What happens after you apply

After you submit, a few things usually follow:

• There is normally a short waiting period at the start of a claim before any payment, similar to a deductible. The exact length is set by current rules, so confirm it on Canada.ca.
• You are typically required to complete reports every two weeks to confirm you are still eligible, that you are available for work, and to declare any earnings. You use your access code and SIN to file these. Missing reports can stop your payments.
• Service Canada may contact you if they need more information. Watch your mail and your My Service Canada Account messages.
• If your claim is approved, payments are sent by direct deposit if you set it up, or by cheque if you did not.

Processing times vary. Rather than guess, check the current expected timelines on Canada.ca and keep an eye on your account.

If you cannot apply online

Applying online is the usual way, but you are not stuck if you cannot. Service Canada has phone lines and in person Service Canada Centres that can help you apply or answer questions. If you have trouble with the online form, a language barrier, or an unusual situation, reaching out to Service Canada directly is a reasonable next step. You can find current phone numbers and office locations on Canada.ca. For an overview of other government forms and processes, see our Canada forms hub.

Tips for a smoother claim

• Apply right away, even before you have your ROE, so you do not lose benefits by waiting.
• Register for a My Service Canada Account. It lets you track your claim, see your ROEs, and update your information.
• Keep your confirmation and access code in a safe place, since you need the code to file your reports.
• File every report on time and declare all earnings honestly. Errors and missed reports are the most common causes of delay.
• Keep looking for work and keep a record of your job search, because you may be asked about it.

Once your paperwork is sorted, you can handle related forms the same easy way. Learn how to fill a PDF online free so any supporting documents are quick to complete.