Employment Insurance in Canada
EI regular and special benefits, amounts and earnings while on claim.
Employment Insurance replaces part of your income if you lose your job or take leave for a new child, an illness or caregiving. This hub is for workers who want to know what EI pays, how long it lasts, and what happens if they earn money while on claim.
Start with the EI benefits guide, which covers regular and special benefits and how other income is treated. Maximum insurable earnings, benefit rates and waiting periods link to Canada.ca for the year named.
Self-employed Canadians can opt in to EI special benefits; the Earning More entrepreneur hub covers that choice.
What this hub helps you decide:
- Do I qualify for EI?
- How much will EI pay, and for how long?
- What happens if I work while on claim?
- Which special benefits apply to me?
Updated November 2026 · 1 guide by Andrew
Start here
New to government benefits? Read the overview first: Canadian Government Benefits Guide (2026): Every Major Program and Who Qualifies.
All Employment Insurance guides
Employment Insurance: Regular Benefits, Special Benefits, and Other Income
EI is not one cheque. Regular benefits, special benefits, severance, work while on claim, and the self-employed opt-in each change what else you can collect.