Overview of EI Benefits

Please refer to Employment Insurance and Teachers—Canada.ca for the most up to date information.

Who is eligible

Regular benefits are available to teachers who 

• have lost their jobs through no fault of their own,

• are able to work and

• are temporarily unable to find work. 

Teachers are eligible to apply for regular benefits if they 

• have paid EI premiums, 

• have been without work for at least seven consecutive days and 

• have worked a specified number of hours based on the unemployment rate in their area. 

If approved for regular benefits, teachers must 

• “actively seek employment” throughout a claim and 

• keep records of their job search for EI audit purposes. 

Special benefits

1. Maternity 
2. Parental/adoption 
3. Sickness benefits 
4. Compassionate care benefits 

Special benefits periods sometimes happen during regular benefit periods. Contact Service Canada to determine if you qualify for combined benefits. 

Generally, EI benefits are different depending on teachers’ contract status. You will need expert advice in how to best access your EI benefits. Contact Teacher Employment Services at 

780-447-9400 (Edmonton area)

1-800-232-7208 (toll free in Alberta) 

E-mail tes@ata.ab.ca