Please be advised that this site is not affiliated with the Service Canada office.
It was created to provide general EI information only.

 

Quick Way to complete EI Online Report

Your EI payment is issued every 2 weeks after you have completed your online EI report. You will be paid either through direct deposit (within 2 business days) or by mailed cheque (up to 2 weeks).

Completing the Employment Insurance (EI) report is a critical step for recipients to continue receiving their benefits. The EI report is a bi-weekly documentation process that verifies your eligibility and updates your employment status with Service Canada. It’s essential to fill out these reports accurately to avoid delays or issues with your payments.

To start, you need to have your Access Code and Social Insurance Number (SIN) handy. These were provided to you when you first applied for EI benefits. If you’ve lost your Access Code, you will need to contact Service Canada to retrieve it. With these details, you can log in to the My Service Canada Account (MSCA) portal online or use the telephone reporting service.

The reporting process covers various aspects of your current employment situation and any income you’ve earned during the specified period. You will be asked to confirm whether you were available for work and whether you actually worked during the period. If you did work, you need to report the hours worked and the earnings before deductions, even if you have not yet been paid. Additionally, it’s important to declare if you were outside the country at any time during the report period, as this can affect your eligibility for benefits.

You also need to report other types of income, such as pension income, money from a severance package, or other insurance benefits. The system will guide you through each question, ensuring that you understand what needs to be reported. For each question, it’s crucial to provide honest and accurate answers to maintain your eligibility without any interruptions.

During the reporting process, you may encounter questions specific to training or courses you’re taking if applicable. If you are attending school or a training program, you must provide details as this can affect your eligibility. Service Canada needs to know whether the training is part of a plan to help you become employable more quickly.

If you encounter any difficulties while completing your report, such as understanding certain questions or technical issues with the online system, Service Canada provides resources to help. There is a comprehensive FAQ section on their website, and you can always call their helpline for more direct assistance.

It’s important to submit your reports on time, typically within three weeks of the end of the previous report period. Late submissions can delay payments and complicate your file, potentially leading to a temporary cessation of benefits until the reports are updated.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth EI reporting process, maintaining your benefit status and avoiding common pitfalls that might lead to delays or audits. Remember, these bi-weekly reports are not just a bureaucratic requirement but a way to communicate your ongoing eligibility and need for employment insurance benefits. Each accurate report helps to demonstrate your continued eligibility and ensures that support is provided to those who truly need it while they seek new employment opportunities.

Learn more: Most common reason why you have not received your payment. 

How do I set up direct deposit?

If you would like to have your money direct deposit, you have to add your bank account through your My Service Canada Account.

How to properly complete your EI report?

EI does not pay you 2 weeks in advance. Your bi-weekly EI benefits payment is to cover your past 2 weeks of job search activities.

If you have worked during the past 2 weeks, you must declare your gross earnings in your report (total worked hours x your hourly wage). Your EI benefits will be less due to the earning deduction. Later when you receive your actual salary, you don’t have to declare anymore because you have done so already.

* * * IMPORTANT * * *

Please note that you must ensure your EI report is answered according to what the reporting system is expecting.

For example, if you are staying home waiting for your employer to call you back to work, you must answer “yes” to the availability question.

If you answered “no” the reporting system will pause your EI report and ask you to call EI call centre to clear the report. You will not be paid until the report is cleared by EI call centre agent.

More reading: EI Reporting Step by Step