Employment Insurance Services

Current EI Rate:

To see the current rate and hours required for EI please click on the link here. Please look at Northern Alberta to see the current rate.

Forms:

The Yellowhead East Business Development Corporation provides Employment Insurance forms at both the YEBDC office in Sangudo and at the Business and Education Link in Barrhead, during normal business hours; 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

You may also apply online for Employment Insurance. Click here to apply online.

EI Assistance:

Barrhead - Employment Insurance Assistance is available at the Business and Education Link in Barrhead on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sangudo - Employment Insurance Assistance is available at the YEBDC office in Sangudo on Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Types of Claims:

There are four Employment Insurance claims:
1. General
2. Maternity/Parental
3. Sickness
4. Compassionate Care Benefits (New)

If you require EI assistance, please bring a valid drivers license or equivalent form of ID, your Record of Employment form(s) and any other necessary documentation. Additional forms are required by EI depending on the claim type. Completed forms are forwarded weekly to Edmonton via Post compliments of the YEBDC. If you have not yet recieved your ROE from your employer the claim can still be sent in to be processed without the missing ROE. However the missing ROE must be brought into the nearest EI office as soon as possible as to not hold up your claim.

An individual can receive Compassionate Care Benefits if they have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks.

Commonly Asked Questions about EI:

How many hours do I need to collect EI?

The Regional Rate of Unemployment changes in the area every four weeks, the rate can be anywhere from 420 - 700 hours of insurable employment to qualify for EI. If you're starting your first job, or if you're coming back into the work force after an absence of two years or more, you will need 910 hours of insurable employment to qualify for EI regardless of the local unemployment rate.

When do the EI Rates change in the area?

Every four weeks, usually around the 10th of each month.

What is the waiting period?

There is a two-week waiting period for which no benefits are paid and during which your claim is processed. You must still send a claimant's report form for this period, but you won't be paid. Any earnings in the waiting period will be deducted dollar-for-dollar from the first three weeks of benefits payable. The waiting period does not start until you establish your claim.

When will my claim start?

The Edmonton Office will determine when your claim starts depending on your last day worked and when your claim is filed.

How much money will I get paid per week on EI?

The size of your weekly benefit cheque will depend on your earnings in the last 26 weeks. The rate is 55% for most claimants. For claimants who have low family income and dependants their rate could be up to 65%.

How long will I get EI?

It all depends on the unemployment rate in your region and how long you have worked. Benefits do not last forever. You can receive benefits of between 14 and 45 weeks depending on your circumstances. The maximum is 30 weeks if collecting any special benefits (Sickness, Maternity, and Parental).

How many weeks is Maternity and Parental Benefits?

Maternity benefits are a maximum of 15 weeks and Parental benefits are a maximum 35 weeks (max total = 50 weeks). It all depends how many insurable weeks you have to determine how many weeks of benefits you will receive.

When will I hear from EI with regards to my claim?

You can start receiving cards up to 10 working days after you have filed your claim, this does not determine that you are on EI. You should receive a letter in about 4-6 weeks from the date you filed that explains if you are on EI or not.

Can I earn money while on EI?

If you are receiving regular benefits, you can earn 25% of your weekly amount or $50.00, whichever is higher, without affecting your receipt of benefits. All earning above that limit will be deducted dollar-for-dollar from your weekly benefits