You can apply for EI benefits if you have paid into the EI account and you are unemployed.
You can receive regular benefits if you lost your job through no fault of your own, for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs. To find out about the requirements for regular benefits...You can also receive maternity, parental and/or sickness benefits if pregnant, caring for a newborn or adopted child or sick. To find out about the requirements for maternity, parental and sickness benefits... You can receive fishing benefits if you are a person engaged in fishing.To find out about the requirements for fishing benefits...
You can receive compassionate care benefits if you have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death. To find out about the requirements for compassionate care benefits...
How, where and when to apply
To find out if you can receive EI benefits, you must submit an application for EI online or in person at your Service Canada Centre, even if you received or will receive money when you become unemployed or if you do not have your record of employment (ROE).
You must request your Record(s) of Employment (ROE) from your last employer as well as from any employer(s) you worked for in the last 52 weeks. Submit your application as soon as possible whether or not you have your ROE(s).
[U]If you are having difficulty obtaining your ROE(s) from your employer(s), we can help. Go to your Service Canada Centre or contact us at 1 800 206-7218. One of our agents will advise you how the ROE can be obtained or what is needed to calculate your claim.[/U]
If you are applying for maternity, parental, compassionate care or sickness benefits, you should apply as soon as you stop working.
[U]Delaying in filing your claim for benefits beyond 4 weeks after your last day of work may cause loss of benefits.[/U]