On January 5, 1997, the new Employment Insurance (EI) system replaced the previous Unemployment Insurance (UI).

EI provides Canadians with basic income protection, plus a range of new re-employment benefits to help unemployed workers get jobs.

What is New for Claimants?

We are now counting hours instead of weeks. Every paid hour of work will count to qualify for EI. A minimum of 420 to 700 hours (which is the equivalent of 12 to 20 weeks of 35 hours each) will be required, depending on the unemployment rate in your region. Always be sure to check for with the EI office for any new changes.

If you are filing a claim after your first job, or after an absence of 2 years or more from the workforce, you now require 910 hours to qualify.

To qualify for sickness, maternity or parental benefits, a minimum of 700 hours of work is required.


For More Information:

• Call toll free 1-800-276-7655 to receive a brochure on Canada's new Employment Insurance system (TTY 1 800 465 7735).
  
• Visit your nearest Human Resource Centre of Canada listed in the Government of Canada pages of your telephone book under Human Resources Development Canada.
  
• Look on the Internet at: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
  
• Contact us
  

This page was last reviewed/modified on 10/2006