Employment Insurance
Employment Insurance (EI)
Temporary income support for eligible workers who lose their job, are sick, on parental leave, or caring for family in defined situations.
EI is usually the first income support after job loss, before longer-term programs apply.
Where you may see this
Record of Employment, My Service Canada Account, and biweekly payment statements.
Related terms
Caregiving
Compassionate care EI benefit
Temporary Employment Insurance income replacement when an eligible worker takes leave to care for or support a family member with a serious medical condition and a significant risk of death within 26 weeks, as certified by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
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Family caregiver EI benefit
Temporary Employment Insurance income replacement when an eligible worker takes leave to care for or support a critically ill or injured family member. Service Canada publishes separate benefits for critically ill or injured adults and for children, each with its own medical certificate rules and week limits.
View termDisability
Canada Disability Benefit (CDB): definition
A federal monthly payment for working-age adults (generally 18 to 64) with an approved Disability Tax Credit who meet Service Canada eligibility and income rules. It is separate from provincial disability assistance.
View termDisability
CPP Disability Benefit (CPP-D)
A monthly payment from the Canada Pension Plan for contributors who cannot work regularly because of a severe and prolonged disability.
View termEmployment Insurance
EI sickness benefits
Temporary EI payments when you cannot work because of illness, injury, or quarantine and meet insurable hours rules.
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