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

• Maternity benefits
• Parental/adoption benefits
• Sickness benefits
• 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 a teacher’s contract status. You will need expert advice in how to best access your EI benefits. Contact Teacher Employment Services (TES).