Canada. Service Canada Employment Insurance
[  Suggest an Update |  Suggest Volunteer Opportunity |  Print Version (New Window) ] Record #: NIA2094 Last Modified: 27 Sep 2012 Last Full Update: 11 Jun 2012
Notices
Public Bulletin	Due to an extremely high volume of calls, the option to speak with a representative regarding an Employment Insurance claim may be periodically unavailable. The automated service is available to obtain information regarding claims, such as application status, payment information and the number of weeks left on their claim. There is also general recorded information available, which outlines the different types of available benefits, what is needed to qualify and how to apply. If it is necessary to speak with a representative trying the number at different times or going to a Service Canada location in person may be necessary. 10 Jan 2012
Description & Services
Areas Served	Canada
Description	Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment * able-bodied claimants must be seeking employment to remain eligible. Basic benefit rate is 55% of average insured earnings up to a maximum insurable amount of $45,900 in 2012 * maximum weekly benefit $485 * claimants may earn up to 25% of regular benefits or $50 per week (whichever is higher) without a reduction in EI payment * duration of benefits based on insured weeks of work and regional unemployment rate * My EI Information Online -- computer access to claim information. Family Supplement -- for low income families who receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit (see separate entry) * amount based on annual net family income up to $25,921 * entitlement will be added to EI payment. Special Benefits -- 15 weeks sickness benefits * 6 weeks compassionate care benefits * 15 weeks maternity benefits * 35 weeks parental benefits available to natural, legal or adoptive parents -- benefits can be shared by both parents * claimants may be able to receive combination of special benefits up to 50 weeks total. For more information on types of benefits visit Service Canada website. Any claimant or former employer of a claimant who disagrees with a claim decision may appeal to a Board of Referees. Job Bank, www.jobbank.gc.ca -- online employment information and job postings * employers wishing to list employment opportunities call 1-866-789-1297, fax 1-866-664-2534. Program of Human Resources and Skill Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada.
Hours	Telephone information service Mon-Sun 24 hours * Office Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Dates	All year
Eligibility	Persons legally entitled to work in Canada who have an interruption of earnings due to shortage of work, injury, quarantine, pregnancy, adoption, personal illness, or a grave illness in the family. Most people will need between 420 and 700 insurable hours of work in their qualifying period to qualify, depending on the unemployment rate in their region at the time of filing their claim for benefits. A minimum of 910 hours in the qualifying period may be needed to qualify for example : * if you are in the work force for the first time; * if you are re-entering the work force after an absence of two years. *However, if you have received at least one week of maternity or parental benefits in the 208 weeks preceding the 52-week period prior to the qualifying period, you will require between 420 and 700 hours to qualify for regular benefits. * violations from previous EI claims may also increase the number of hours required to qualify for EI benefits. Claimants who quit a job without just cause or are fired for misconduct are ineligible for regular benefits * just cause includes discrimination, sexual harassment, working conditions that constitute a danger to health and safety, significant modification of terms and conditions respecting wages or salary, leaving care for child or immediate family member, major changes in work duties.
Languages	English
Application	Application forms available online, by phone or in person at Service Canada sites -- see separate entries. Records of Employment from previous employers should be submitted immediately after employment has ended, to have the claim considered from the last day worked * the first 2 weeks of the claim are a waiting period for which no benefits are paid * claimants' report cards must be correctly completed to generate payment (exemptions available for compassionate care benefit claimants).
Contact Information
Located In Community	Canada
Toll Free Phone	General Inquiries English 1-800-206-7218 * General Inquiries French 1-800-808-6352 * Telephone Reporting Service 1-800-531-7555 * Record of Employment 1-800-263-8364
TDD Phone	Toll free 1-800-529-3742
Website	www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei
Other Details
Service Level	(40) Federal Government
Subjects
Subjects	Federal government
Broader Terms	Government