What is Employment Insurance Regular Benefits?
Employment Insurance (EI) Regular Benefits provides benefits 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 and able to work, but can’t find a job.
Am I eligible for the benefits?
You may be entitled to receive EI Regular Benefits if you:
- are employed in insurable employment;
- lost your employment through no fault of your own;
- have been without work and without pay for at least seven consecutive days in the last 52 weeks;
- have worked for the required number of insurable hours in the last 52 weeks or since the start of your last EI claim, whichever is shorter*;
- are ready, willing, and capable of working each day; and
- are actively looking for work (you must keep a written record of employers you contact, including when you contacted them).
*The required number of insurable hours of employment in the last 52 weeks will depend on the regional rate of unemployment. The following is the Unemployment Rate & Benefit Table for the region of Calgary (for the period of August 9, 2015 to September 5, 2015):
Unemployment Rate: 6.9
Number of Insured Hours Required to Qualify for Regular Benefits: 665
Minimum Number of Weeks Payable for Regular Benefits: 15
Maximum Number of Weeks Payable for Regular Benefits: 38
Taken from: http://srv129.services.gc.ca/ei_regions/eng/calgary.aspx?rates=1
Where can I get further information and how do I apply?
You can find out more about EI Regular Benefits (as well as other forms of EI benefits) and learn how to apply at the following website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/index.shtml
