🍁 BenefitCanada

Losing your job

Life eventChecked October 2, 2026

If you lose your job, Employment Insurance is usually the first step, but your lower income may also qualify you for credits and benefits you didn't get before. Act quickly because EI claims have tight timelines.

Your checklist

  1. Apply for EI regular benefits right away, even before your record of employment arrives

    Delaying can cost you benefits.

    EI regular

  2. If you can't work because of illness, ask about EI sickness benefits instead

    Different EI benefit types have different rules.

    EI sickness

  3. Complete your EI reports every two weeks

    Payments stop if reports are missed.

    EI regular

  4. Update your income-tested benefits after you file next year's return

    Lower income can raise CCB and credit amounts.

    CCB CGEB Crédit d'impôt pour solidarité

  5. Check energy and rent help

    Lower income may qualify you for bill credits or rent supplements.

    OESP RAP Rent Assist

  6. Look at dental coverage if you lost workplace insurance

    CDCP covers people without access to dental insurance.

    CDCP

  7. When you start working again, claim work credits

    Low earnings may qualify for a working-income credit.

    CWB Prime au travail

Timing

Apply for EI within four weeks of your last day of work. Keep filing biweekly reports.

Province-specific notes

  • Quebec: Prime au travail can be paid in advance once you are working again.

Official sources

Last checked against these pages on October 2, 2026.

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BenefitCanada is independent and not affiliated with any government. This guide summarizes official sources in plain language; rules and amounts change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.