Welcome to Our Employment Insurance Information and Assistance Hub

Navigating the intricacies of Employment Insurance (EI) can be challenging, but as your Member of Parliament, I am committed to ensuring you have all the necessary resources and support to understand and manage your EI benefits effectively. Our office is dedicated to providing guidance and direct assistance through information sessions, workshops, and direct support.

Understanding Your Employment Insurance Benefits

1. Regular Benefits

   Overview: Regular EI benefits are available to individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own (e.g., due to layoffs, shortage of work, or seasonal employment) and are actively looking for work.

   Resources: For more details on eligibility criteria, how to apply, and what you need to prepare for your application, visit the Service Canada EI page: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit.html.

2. Sickness Benefits

   Overview: EI sickness benefits provide support for up to 15 weeks to those who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or quarantine.

   Resources: Learn more about sickness benefits, including eligibility requirements and application process, on the Service Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html.

3. Maternity and Parental Benefits

   Overview: These benefits support parents who are away from work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. Maternity benefits are available for up to 15 weeks, and parental benefits can be taken for up to 35 weeks.

   Resources: For a comprehensive guide on how to apply and the documents needed, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-maternity-parental.html.

Employment Insurance Improvements

As part of our ongoing efforts to meet the evolving needs of workers and employers, we have implemented several improvements to make Employment Insurance (EI) more flexible, inclusive, and accessible. Here are the recent changes that have been made:

EI Maternity and Parental Benefits Enhancements

• Earlier Access to Maternity Benefits: Pregnant workers can now start receiving EI maternity benefits up to 12 weeks before their due date, providing added flexibility and support during a crucial time.

• More Choices for Parents: Parents can choose to receive EI parental benefits over a traditional 12-month period at a higher benefit rate or extend it to 18 months at a lower benefit rate, allowing families to make decisions that best suit their needs.

• Parental Sharing Benefit: To encourage shared responsibility, parents who split parental leave for a child born or placed with them for adoption on or after March 17, 2019, can receive additional weeks of benefits, fostering greater equality in caregiving.

Watch Video: Changes to EI Maternity and Parental Benefits This video provides a brief overview of the adjustments to EI maternity and parental benefits since December 3, 2017.

Enhanced EI Caregiving Benefits

• New Family Caregiver Benefit for Adults: Caregivers taking time off work to support a critically ill or injured adult family member can now receive up to 15 weeks of EI.

• Expanded Family Caregiver Benefit for Children: Any family member, not just parents, can now receive up to 35 weeks of benefits to care for a critically ill child. These benefits were formerly known as Parents of Critically Ill Children benefits.

• Simplified Application Process: Medical doctors and nurse practitioners are now authorized to sign all EI caregiving medical certificates, streamlining the application process.

Watch Video: Changes to EI Caregiving Benefits A concise overview of the recent updates to EI caregiving benefits effective from December 3, 2017.

Additional Improvements to EI

• Working While on Claim: This provision allows claimants to continue receiving a portion of their EI benefits while earning income from employment, helping ease the transition back into the workforce.

• Removal of New Entrant and Re-entrant Rules: The elimination of these stricter rules makes it easier for individuals re-entering the workforce to qualify for EI benefits.

• Reduced Waiting Period: We have cut the waiting period for receiving EI benefits from two weeks to one week, alleviating financial pressure on new claimants.

• Simplified Job Search Rules: The requirements for job searching while on EI have been streamlined to make them more straightforward and less burdensome.

• Support for Training: Eligible claimants who have lost their jobs and have been in the workforce for several years can now pursue full-time training starting in fall 2018 without losing their EI benefits, and may also qualify for student financial assistance.

These changes reflect our commitment to supporting Canadian workers through all stages of their career and personal circumstances, ensuring that Employment Insurance remains a strong and responsive safety net.