Employment Insurance (EI)

Employment Insurance sickness benefits:

1. No doctor’s note required.
2. The normal 1-week EI waiting period is waived. There is a special toll-free number to call to ask for this waiver: Toll-free: 1-833-381-2725
3. Claims can be backdated if you could not apply right away because of being quarantined.

Apply online here for EI Sickness Benefits

Employment Insurance regular benefits:

1. This benefit is for individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can't find a job.
2. In Toronto, you are required to have 700 hours for regular benefits. Note: if you have employer-paid sick benefits, you are required to use these first.
3. You can apply before your employer gives you a Record of Employment (ROE)

Apply online here for EI Regular Benefits or call Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218