Employment insurance how many hours do i need

The topics in the Dial-A-Law series provide general information on legal issues within the Province of Alberta.

The purpose of this topic is to inform you of your legal rights and responsibilities. This is not legal advice. If you require legal advice, you should contact a lawyer. This topic provides a brief summary of the Employment Insurance EI program. The information contained in this topic is not intended to be nor should it be used as a complete explanation of employment insurance.

You are encouraged to contact your local Service Canada office for further information for your specific situation.

If you have any questions about your claim, contact Service Canada at or check online at www. Employment Insurance is a type of benefit paid to provide temporary financial relief while you are actively looking for work.

You must be willing and able to work and to keep a record of the times you are not available for work. You must also keep a record of employers, the dates that you contacted them, and report any money or benefits earned while on EI. Generally, you will need between and insurable hours of work in your qualifying period to qualify for EI benefits. However, if you are in the workforce for the first time or are returning to work after a 2-year leave of absence you will need a minimum of hours in the qualifying period.

If you had violations from previous EI claims, the number of insurable hours will increase. Your insurable hours are determined by the number of hours you worked during your employment. Usually, you are not eligible for EI regular benefits if you: Quit without a good reason.

Are fired for a good reason. Have not worked for a certain period of time. Have not paid into the EI program for example, consultants, contract workers and so on.

Each type of benefit has additional requirements. Maternity Benefits Maternity benefits are for women who are pregnant or have just given birth to a baby. You must sign a statement that says when you expect your baby to be born, or what date the baby was born. Parental Benefits Parental benefits are for mothers or fathers of a newborn baby or an adopted child. You must sign a statement that says when the baby was born or when the adopted child is placed with you.

Sickness Benefits If you are sick, hurt or quarantined, you may be eligible for sickness benefits. You must get a medical certificate to confirm how long you are sick or hurt. You must show that you cannot work, but you would work if you were not sick or hurt. Compassionate Care Benefits If you have to take time off work to care for a very sick family member, you might be eligible for compassionate care benefits.

Your sick family member must be at risk of dying within 26 weeks. Your family member must be on the list of qualifying family members. You may collect benefits from 14 weeks up to 45 weeks.

The number of weeks you are entitled to collect benefits will be determined by the number of insurable hours you have in the qualifying period.

You will be advised of the number of weeks you qualify for when you begin receiving your benefits. The benefits you collect must be paid within a time period of 52 weeks. If you feel you have other valid reasons to have the time period extended so that you can collect your benefits, advise the HRDC office of your reasons.

The calculation to determine the amount you are paid is determined by the amount of total earnings paid within the last 26 weeks of employment.

To qualify for a Family Supplement you must have:. If you are eligible, this entitlement will be automatically added to your EI payments. The amount of the entitlement will depend upon your net family income and the number of children you have and their ages. You cannot work full time and collect EI benefits. Any money earned above that will reduce your benefits for that week. All earnings must be reported while collecting EI benefits. It is important that the information you supply in claiming EI is correct.

This also applies if you receive overpayment and do not report it or cash a benefit cheque that is not your own. If the Employment Insurance Commission terminates your benefits and you do not agree with their reason for doing so, you may appeal the decision.