How are you eligible for EI?
Emma Newman
Updated on March 03, 2026
To be eligible for regular benefits, you must: Have worked the required number of hours in your area. You must have worked these hours within the last year. This number is usually 420-700 hours, but it depends on the unemployment rate in your area.
Just so, how many hours do you need to qualify for EI?
Generally you will need between 420 and 700 insurable hours of work in your qualifying period to qualify for EI benefits. However, if you are in the work force for the first time or are returning to work after a 2-year leave of absence you will need a minimum of 910 hours in the qualifying period.
Also Know, how do I start an EI claim? To reactivate your claim, you should visit the Service Canada website. Click on "Apply for Employment Insurance Benefits" in the menu on the right-hand side of the home page. Do not start completing your online application if you prefer to start a new claim. Instead, please contact us by calling 1 800-206-7218.
Furthermore, can I get EI if I quit my job?
When you quit your job without just cause, you cannot use any of the hours you worked at that job or any previous jobs to qualify for EI, even if you worked there for many years. It is also considered quitting if you do not return to work when you are recalled after a layoff.
Can you collect EI and go to school?
Studying / Going to school while on EI — It is not a problem collecting EI benefits while studying as long as you have demonstrated the following: You must show that you are unemployed, able and willing to work and actively looking for suitable work.
Related Question Answers
How do EI payments work?
Employment Insurance (EI) usually gives you 55% of your previous income, up to a maximum of $562 per week. Employment Insurance payments are taxable, which means that the government will take taxes from your payment. If you are from a low-income family, you may qualify for more.Can I apply for EI online?
To apply for Employment Insurance (EI), go to the nearest Service Canada Centre or apply online as soon as you lose your job. You need to submit an application form and some other documents. You also need to have an interview with an EI agent.How does EI calculate insurable hours?
Hours for periods of paid leave The number of hours of insurable employment will be the hours the person would normally have worked, and for which the person would normally have been remunerated during that period. the number of hours obtained by dividing the lump sum amount by the normal hourly rate of pay.Can you collect unemployment while going to school in Canada?
The budget also pledges to make EI more flexible to allow unemployed Canadians to go back to school or undertake training and keep receiving benefits. With some exceptions, Canadians are currently ineligible for EI if they attend schools or training for more than 14 hours per week.How much money can you make on EI before they deduct?
Under the old rules you could earn up to $75 a week or 40% of your weekly benefit, whichever was more. Any earnings above that were fully deducted from your benefit payment.Can I go on EI if I get fired?
If you are unemployed and looking for work, you may be able to get Employment Insurance (EI) benefits even if you were fired. It depends on the reason you were fired. If EI staff say you were fired because of "misconduct", they will not give you benefits. Misconduct usually means doing something wrong on purpose.Is it better to quit or be fired?
Quitting can also be more liberating and be less of a traumatic blow than being fired. It is better to be fired if you hope to collect unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits are not often awarded if you quit. You may also be able to negotiate severance which can be more difficult to do if you quit.Is it better to be fired or resign?
Quitting does have negative consequences in regard to unemployment benefits. In most cases, employees who quit will not be eligible to collect unemployment. Workers who are fired will generally be eligible for unemployment benefits unless they are fired for cause i.e. unethical or illegal activities.Can you travel while on EI?
Can I travel within or outside Canada while on EI? Yes you can! Unlike many rumors out there that says you are not allowed to go on vacation, you are permitted to do so as long as you declare in your EI report that you are “away” or “not available to look for work”.What is good cause to quit a job?
“Good cause” for quitting a job or decreasing your work hours includes: You lack state-standard child care during the hours of your work, including when you lack special needs child care for a disabled child. You have a family crisis or emergency that you have to deal with during your work hours.Does EI check your job search?
All EI regular and fishing benefits recipients are required to look for a job and document their job search efforts on a continuous basis.What reasons can you be denied unemployment?
If you voluntarily quit your job or were fired for misconduct, your claim for unemployment may be denied. Not everyone who is unemployed is eligible for unemployment benefits. To collect benefits, you must be temporarily out of work, through no fault of your own.Does EI call your employer?
Can my employer contest a decision concerning my EI benefits application? Yes. If we decide to pay you benefits even if you quit, were fired for misconduct, refused work, or are involved in a labour dispute, we will notify your employer.What should I not say in an unemployment interview?
What Not to Say in an Unemployment Interview- Don't repeat yourself.
- Don't provide irrelevant details.
- Don't express hostility toward your previous employer or the interviewer.
- Don't respond with an answer that you aren't sure of.
