The hours that you work and for which you are paid are accumulated toward eligibility for EI benefits. 
Eligibility is calculated by the information provided on the Record of Employment (ROE) prepared by the 
district school board after your last day worked. It is important to request a copy of the ROE and check 
the information carefully to ensure that it is accurate.

The total hours worked is critical for determining eligibility. The Service Canada website states that most 
people will need between 420 and 700 insurable hours of work within the last 52 weeks, or since the 
start of their last claim, whichever is shorter. The number of hours required is also dependent on the 
unemployment rate in their region. However, if you are in the work force for the first time you will require 
a minimum of 910 hours in the last 52 weeks to qualify. Please check with the nearest Service Canada 
office to determine the specific requirements in your area.

There is a 2-week waiting period for benefits. The basic benefit rate is 55% of the claimant’s average 
insured earnings to a maximum dollar figure which changes from year to year. Your EI payment is a 
taxable income, meaning federal and provincial taxes will be deducted. Claimants may work while on a 
claim for regular benefits. However, 50% of each dollar earned will be deducted from the benefit up to a 
threshold of 90% of weekly insured earnings used to calculate the benefit amount. After this, earnings are 
deducted on a dollar for dollar basis. The number of weeks for which benefits are payable is based on the 
claimant’s hours worked and the regional unemployment rate. The maximum is 50 weeks.

To facilitate claims, members are encouraged to apply for EI benefits online at the Service Canada website 
at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE – MATERNITY AND PARENTAL BENEFITS

In order to be eligible for maternity and parental benefits, the EI Act requires that you work a minimum 
of 600 hours during the 52-week qualifying period preceding the claim. Service Canada will provide 
maternity benefits to a birth mother for a period of 15 weeks after a 2-week waiting period. A claim for 
maternity benefits may begin up to 8 weeks before the child is born.

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