Can someone explain the EI thing to me, in simplified terms?

[Yellowhead 12]

I am probably ineligible, but I would love if someone could explain the process/eligibility to me for EI. Is this EI through the USA? Not through Canada?

I am a full-time student who is working part-time at a temporary job (ending April 30). I am hoping to have the whole process done for May 1 so I can move once my lease ends. I am not sure if I would be at all eligible for EI based on this. Nor have I filed before, so I have no idea what the criteria is.

Anyone want to help a newbie?

[Colleens 40]

This EI is through Canada. As you have worked and paid into the fund you are able to claim on it provided you meet the requirements (hours worked etc)

Here is the link to the Service Canada website it will contain all the information on how many hours you needed to work in order to qualify, how to apply and how to go about your claim once in the US. Service Canada

You will want to look into the "Employment Insurance Regular Benefits" bullet as it will have info on how many hours you need to qualify as well as the "Employment insurance and workers and/or residents outside Canada" bullet as it will explain that you need to legally be able to work in the US in order to claim (have your EAD or Green Card). There is also a pinned thread at the top of the forum with a lot of EI info in it....have a read through!!

[joe_robin66 6]

This information is correct but they don't make it easy. As a Canadian, you have the option of mailing, phoning or submitting online to sending in your EI cards. While living in the USA, you have to send in your cards by mail. I sent in my cards even though I didnt get my EAD as this keeps your EI file active. IF you dont, your file is suspended and can be reactivated and could take time to reactivate.

[Yellowhead 12]

Thanks to you both. I won't be eligible as my hours don't meet the minimum. Darn.

[slider100 8]

Colleens, I worked in Canada from September 2009 to April 2010. Do you think I will be eligible for EI?

[Colleens 40]

Colleens, I worked in Canada from September 2009 to April 2010. Do you think I will be eligible for EI?

You will have to look on the service canada website and see if you meet the minimum hours required for a claim. The minimum is based on the area you lived in and the unemployment rate in that area. Check out the "How many hours of work do I need to qualify" bullet in this linkfor more info. If you have any questions after that, give them a call....they have always been very helpful when I have had any issues.

Did you work full time during that period? If so you should qualify for benefits. The amount you get depends on your salary. The only issue you may have is that generally you have to apply for EI within 4 weeks of leaving your job (even if you will not be collecting benefits immediately). I think that you will need to give them a call and see if you can still put in a claim.