Employment Insurance is one of Canada's most valuable safety-net programs, yet many newcomers don't understand it until they need it, which is often too late to claim it properly. Here's what you need to know from Day 1.
What Is EI?
EI is a federal insurance program funded by employee and employer premiums. It provides temporary income replacement for:
- Regular benefits: If you lose your job through no fault of your own (layoff, contract end)
- Sickness benefits: Up to 26 weeks if you're ill, injured, or in quarantine
- Maternity benefits: Up to 15 weeks for the birth parent
- Parental benefits: Up to 35 weeks (standard) or 61 weeks (extended, lower payment) for either parent
- Caregiver benefits: If you're caring for a critically ill family member
How to Qualify for Regular EI
To receive regular EI after losing your job, you need:
- Insurable hours: You must have worked 420–700 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks (the exact number depends on Ottawa's regional unemployment rate)
- Job loss must be beyond your control: Laid off, contract ended, or constructive dismissal. If you quit voluntarily or were fired for misconduct, you typically do not qualify.
- You must be actively looking for work while receiving benefits
How Much Does EI Pay?
EI replaces 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum insurable amount (approximately $65,700/year in 2025). The maximum weekly benefit is around $695.
For an Ottawa worker earning $60,000/year ($1,154/week), EI would pay approximately $635/week.
How to Apply
Apply as soon as possible after your last day of work, don't wait. There's typically a 2-week waiting period before payments begin (this is waived for sickness and some other benefits). Apply at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.
Your employer must issue a Record of Employment (ROE) within 5 business days of your last day. Service Canada uses this to calculate your benefit.
EI and Newcomers: Important Notes
You must be legally authorized to work in Canada and have a valid SIN to receive EI. Temporary foreign workers on valid work permits are generally eligible. Refugees and protected persons are eligible once they have a work permit.
Visitors, student visa holders without a work permit, and those who have not worked in Canada at all are not eligible.
What About Self-Employment?
Self-employed Canadians are not automatically covered by EI. However, you can opt in to the EI self-employed program to access special benefits (maternity, parental, sickness, caregiver). You must register at least 12 months before making a claim.
Taxes and EI
EI is taxable income. Service Canada will withhold tax, but you may owe more at tax time if your total income from all sources puts you in a higher bracket.
Ottawa Resources
If your EI claim is delayed or denied, a Service Canada office (360 Albert Street, downtown Ottawa) can help. Community Legal Services Ottawa also provides free legal help with EI appeals.
