Employment Insurance
EI maternity and parental benefits
Temporary income support for birth parents and shared parental leave, with standard or extended payment options.
Choosing standard vs extended changes weekly amounts and total weeks available.
Benefits glossary
Canadian benefits glossary
Government benefits, tax, disability and drug-coverage terms explained in plain language.
Definitions are educational. Official program rules still apply.
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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.
Employment Insurance
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.
Plan for one week without EI income after your claim begins.
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.
Related tools and guides
Use these MyEligible tools to explore programs after you understand a term.
Sources and methodology
Definitions explain common government and program language in plain words. They are starting points for understanding, not legal advice or official eligibility decisions. Confirm important details with the official program, CRA, Service Canada, or a qualified professional.
Glossary reviewed September 13, 2026