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It was created to provide general EI information only.

You now only need to accumulate a minimum of 420 cumulative insurable hours to receive a minimum of 14 weeks of EI benefits.

Until September 24, 2022, you only need to have accumulated 420 hours of insurable employment during your qualifying period to qualify for EI benefits. The temporary rule will be replaced by existing rule after September 24, 2022.

If you were assessed a violation, you may need more insurable hours to qualify for benefits. The required amount rises based on the number and seriousness of misrepresentations that have been recorded in the 5-year period before the start of your claim.

The qualifying period is the shorter of:

  • the 52-week period immediately before the start date of your claim. or
  • the period from the start of a previous benefit period to the start of your new benefit period, if you applied for benefits earlier and your application was approved in the last 52 weeks

Exception: In some cases, the qualifying period may be extended to a maximum of 104 weeks if you weren’t employed in insurable employment or if you weren’t receiving EI benefits.

 

source: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/eligibility.html

Saving in the wrong registered account can quietly destroy a low-income worker’s retirement setup. Read our guide on TFSA vs RRSP for Low Income Earners: Avoid the GIS Retirement Trap to discover why RRSP withdrawals trigger a hidden 50% benefit clawback—and how shifting to a TFSA protects your Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits.

Stop wasting money on monthly bank fees and missing out on valuable rewards! Discover how switching to Canada’s top no-fee bank accounts and zero-annual-fee cash-back credit cards can help you keep more money in your pocket. Read our article Best No-Fee Bank Accounts & Cash-Back Cards in Canada (2026 Guide) at Unemployment Canada to start saving today.
 
Discover how to maximize your tax-free government relief with complete CRA details on the newly launched Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB). Learn about updated 2026 eligibility rules, enhanced quarterly payout schedules, and maximum income limits. Read our article Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026: Eligibility & Payment Schedule, at taxservicecanada.ca.
 
Never miss an Old Age Security payment by bookmarking our dedicated 2026 OAS Payment Schedule page today. Managing your retirement budget is much easier when you know exactly when your funds will arrive in your account. By saving this link, you’ll have instant, one-click access to the most up-to-date distribution dates and any schedule adjustments throughout the year.

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