One time insurable hours credit (bonus hours)

As of September 27, 2020, EI claimants who are transitioning from CERB to EI will be provided with extra insurable hours credits. This change will stay in effect until September 25, 2021.

300 hours for Regular EI

480 hours for Special EI (Sickness, maternity, parental benefits and more…)

This is a one time credit that is applicable retroactively to March 15th, 2020. This means if you had only accumulated 120 hours before the pandemic layoff, you may now qualify for Regular EI benefits because you have the added insurable hours credit (120hrs + 300hrs). Same rule applies to Special Benefits (120hrs + 480hrs).