Employment Insurance - Regular Benefits

Provides income support benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (ex: shortage of work, seasonal, or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work but cannot find a job.

Generally the basic rate is calculated at 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. EI can be paid out from 14 weeks to a maximum of 45 weeks, depending on the regional unemployment rate.

Applications are to be made as soon as employment stops, even if the Record of Employment (ROE) has not been received. Benefits may be lost if the claim is submitted more than four weeks after the last day of work.

In most cases, individuals who quit their job due to a refusal to comply with their employer's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy will not be eligible for EI benefits. See website for list of exceptions.

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