EI Myths

MYTH #1 - if EI decides that you quit your job without just cause, or were fired for misconduct, you will only lose a few weeks of benefits

• Not true. Since 1993, if you are disqualified, you will not be able to collect regular benefits until you have worked enough hours to start another new claim. To find out how many hours are required in your area, click here. Special benefits are not affected by the disqualification. For further information on quitting a job or getting dismissed, see “Just Cause” or “Misconduct”.

MYTH #2 - if you quit or get fired for any reason, you will not get EI

• Not true. If you are fired, you will be disqualified only if your employer or the Commission can prove misconduct on a balance of probabilities. If you quit, it is up to you to show that you had just cause.

MYTH #3 - if you have money coming to you after your job ends, there is no need to apply for EI until it runs out, because they won't pay you until then anyway

• Not true. You should apply for EI immediately after you last day of work. You cannot wait until your severance or other money runs out, or you may lose some or all of your benefits. Also, make sure to report any money you receive on your application or regular reports.

MYTH #4 - if you receive severance but convert it immediately into RRSP’s, EI will not consider it

• Not true. With few exceptions, EI will consider all monies received as a result of separation as earnings.

MYTH #5 - it doesn't matter if you quit or lose a part-time or casual job while on EI

• Not true. It does matter; every job counts and could be used to disqualify you from benefits.

MYTH #6 - if you are getting so little earnings (less than your 25% allowable) that it won't affect your EI cheque, there is no need to report it

• Not true. EI now calculates its overpayments based on any difference between what you report and what your employer reports, completely ignoring whether you were actually overpaid any benefits on a week-by-week basis.  Quite often, they will charge you with enormous penalties at the same time. Therefore, it is extremely important that you report all monies you receive

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