Employment Insurance
Insurable hours
Hours of work for which EI premiums were paid, counted toward the minimum needed to qualify for benefits.
Part-time or irregular work may make it harder to accumulate enough hours in the qualifying period.
Where you may see this
ROE boxes and EI application eligibility messages.
The exact definition and rules can differ by program. Check the official rules for the benefit you are applying for.
Related terms
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.
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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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EI waiting period
A one-week period at the start of an EI claim for which no benefits are paid, serving as a deductible week.
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Voluntary leaving (EI)
Leaving a job without just cause can disqualify you from EI regular benefits for a period.
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Record of Employment (ROE)
A form your employer submits to Service Canada summarizing your insurable earnings and hours when employment ends.
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