Employment insurance or EI provides temporary assistance for unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their skills. This insurance can also help those who are sick, pregnant, or are caring for a newborn or adopted child, as well as those who find themselves caring for a family member who is seriously ill. This definition and further information is available through the Government of Canada website, which can be accessed from the link above.
You can apply for job insurance online and also access an FAQ section that can link you to divisions of the insurance plan that can answer your questions. Once you apply for insurance employment benefits you might have to wait 28 days to find out the status of your claim. If your insurance claim is accepted, you should receive your first employment benefits payment within 28 days of the beginning or start date of your claim.
You will need to use the Telephone Access Code to make any inquiries or when filing reports. You will also need your Social Insurance Number for these same activities. If you can't get answers to your questions online or on the phone you can go to the nearest Human Resources Centres of Canada location (locations available online) to get help in person.Of course there are rules that need to be followed to insure that your employment or job benefits continue.
- You must be willing and able to work
- You must report any absence from your residence
- You must report if you are not available for work
- You must look for work and keep detailed records of the employers you have contacted
- You must report all money earned while on EI, including all self-employment earnings
- You must submit all required reports on time