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General information by telephone

Answers to top questions

Do I qualify for the simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program

We announced temporary changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to better support Canadians looking for work.

As of September 27, you may be eligible for EI if you:

  • were employed for at least 120 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
  • received the CERB, the 52 week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended
  • stopped working through no fault of your own
  • have not quit your job voluntarily
  • are ready, willing and capable of working each day (EI regular benefits)
  • are temporarily unable to work while you care for someone else or yourself (EI maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits)

Apply to EI

If you become eligible for EI benefits on or after September 27, you will receive a minimum benefit rate of $500 per week.

If you do not become eligible for EI, you may be eligible for the proposed new benefits:

Do I qualify for the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)? Open

The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).

Apply for the CRB

Do I qualify for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)? Open

The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:

  • Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
  • Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
  • have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

Apply for the CRSB

Do I qualify for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB?) Open

The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers:

  • unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
  • because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

Apply for the CRCB

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General assistance by telephone

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