L'assurance-emploi — un filet de sécurité pour les périodes sans travail.
Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program paid for job loss with no fault, illness, or caregiving. To be eligible, you generally need between 420 and 700 insurable hours over the past 52 weeks (depending on your region), be ready to work, and be actively job-hunting. Apply online within 4 weeks of losing your job, and report your status every two weeks.
1. What is Employment Insurance?
Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program funded by withholdings on your paycheck.
Paid for: job loss with no fault, illness, caregiver, and more.
2. Eligibility conditions
Main conditions:
- Insurable hours: between 420 and 700 in the last 52 weeks (varies by region)
- Have lost your job with no fault (layoff, end of contract...)
- Be ready and able to work
- Actively looking for a job
3. How long and how much?
The benefits:
- 55 % of your average salary
- Weekly maximum: $729 in 2026
- Duration: from 14 to 45 weeks based on your hours and region
Use the EI benefits calculator to estimate your weekly payments.
4. How to apply
Steps:
- Online application on the Service Canada website
- Waiting period: 1 week unpaid
- Report every 2 weeks to remain eligible
5. QPIP: parental leave in Quebec
In Quebec, parental leave ≠ EI: it's run by QPIP (Retraite Québec). The table compares the three main programs.
Three things to remember:
- QPIP replaces EI for parental leave in Quebec — more generous than the federal program.
- Self-employed workers must register and wait 12 months before becoming eligible, and have no access to regular unemployment benefits.
- The QPIP application is filed separately with Retraite Québec, not Service Canada.
| Program | Covers | % of salary | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular EI | Job loss with no fault | 55 % | Service Canada |
| Special EI | Illness, caregivers | 55 % | Service Canada |
| QPIP | Maternity, paternity, parental | 55 to 75 % | Retraite Québec |
| EI — self-employed | Special benefits only | 55 % | Service Canada (prior registration) |
6. Your action list
Follow these steps to file an Employment Insurance claim after a job loss. Check each box as you go — your progress is saved if you're signed in.
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about Employment Insurance: voluntary quitting, earning while on EI, EI for self-employed workers, tax treatment, and EI after dismissal for cause.
Can I claim EI if I quit my job?
Generally no — a voluntary departure without « just cause » disqualifies you.
« Just cause » is defined strictly:
- Documented workplace harassment
- Dangerous working conditions
- Discrimination
- Being asked to do something illegal
Personal reasons like « better opportunity », « no growth » or « family relocation » rarely qualify. If you're considering quitting, speak to Service Canada first — a denied claim leaves you with no income.
Can I earn some money while on EI?
Yes — the « Work While on Claim » program lets you keep 50 % of any earnings up to 90 % of your weekly insurable earnings. Above that threshold, every dollar earned reduces your EI dollar-for-dollar.
ALL income must be reported every two weeks via the online reporting tool. Unreported income is treated as fraud, with repayment plus penalties of up to 100 %.
Can self-employed workers contribute to EI?
Yes, optionally — via the « EI Special Benefits for Self-Employed » program. You must register, then wait 12 months before being eligible.
Once registered, you pay the employee rate (1.30 % in 2026) on income up to the maximum insurable earnings (68,900 $). The program covers special benefits only: maternity, parental, illness, caregivers, family caregivers — NOT regular unemployment benefits.
Are EI benefits taxable?
Yes — fully taxable as ordinary income at both federal and Quebec levels.
Service Canada withholds only 10 % federal tax at source, which is rarely enough to cover your total liability. Many EI recipients face a tax bill the following spring.
Set aside an extra 10 to 20 % of every payment, or ask Service Canada to withhold more to avoid the surprise.
What if I was dismissed for cause (gross misconduct)?
A dismissal for « misconduct » under EI rules disqualifies you, like a voluntary departure. But the employer must PROVE the misconduct — minor infractions, performance issues or personality conflicts don't qualify.
If your employer alleges misconduct on your Record of Employment (ROE), file the EI claim anyway. Service Canada investigates both sides. Many « misconduct » dismissals are reclassified as « shortage of work » after review.
8. See also
Related guides that may be useful:
- Get your RAMQ health insurance card — your health coverage continues during a benefit period.
- Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) — required for any EI claim.
- Family allowance in Quebec — family benefits stack with EI.
- EI benefits calculator — estimate your weekly payments based on your salary and hours.
9. Official sources
For official information:
Phone: Service Canada at 1-800-808-6352.
Author's Note: No shame in applying for EI — you contributed, it's your right. Use the time to train and prepare your next job.
