Federal employment insurance
Specific information about employment insurance (EI) for teachers is available from the Government of Canada
Read moreRegular benefits
Regular benefits are available to you if you
- have lost your job through no fault of your own,
- are able to work and
- are temporarily unable to find work.
You are eligible to apply for regular benefits if you
- 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 your area.
If you are approved for regular benefits, you must
- “actively seek employment” throughout a claim and
- keep records of your job search for EI audit purposes.
Special benefits
Special benefits are available in these situations:
- Maternity leave
- Parental/adoption leave
- Sickness benefits
- Compassionate care benefits
Special benefit periods sometimes happen during regular benefit periods. To determine if you qualify for combined benefits, contact Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218.
Generally, your EI benefits depend on your contract status.
Are you a substitute teacher, a part-time teacher or a teacher who works only a portion of a full year? Keep a record of your weekly hours in case you need it for EI. For more information, refer to this article from the ATA News.