What do you do if you suddenly lost your job and is worrying about your bills? Those in Arizona are lucky to have their AZUI Weekly claim. Those in the Philippines are lucky to have Bombay in the neighborhood to turn to for a quick loan. In Canada, they have Employment Insurance (EI).
Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance for unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their skills.
Canadians who are sick, pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child, as well as those who must care for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death, may also be assisted by Employment Insurance.
Types of Employment Insurance Benefits
Employment Insurance Regular Benefits - available to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal layoffs, or mass layoffs) and who are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job. Employment Insurance Maternity and Parental Benefits - provide support to individuals who are pregnant, have recently given birth, are adopting a child, or are caring for a newborn. Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits - for individuals who are unable to work because of sickness, injury, or quarantine. Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits - available to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. Employment Insurance Fishing Benefits - provide support to qualifying, self-employed fishers who are actively seeking work.
To be eligible to receive regular benefits, you must show that you have been without work and without pay for at least 7 consecutive days and that in the last 52 weeks or since your last claim (qualifying period), you have worked for the required number of insurable hours. If you voluntarily quit your job without just cause or if you are fired due to your own misconduct, you will not be paid regular benefits.
Employment Insurance is just one of the benefits of being a permanent resident of Canada. Click here more information on how to apply for EI.
