2. Get your record of employment from your employer
Question & Answer
I lost my job for reasons beyond my control. Can I get EI?You need a (ROE) from every employer you worked for in the past 52 weeks.Your ROE shows your history at a particular job, like the dates you worked, how much you earned, and how many hours you worked. There are rules that your employer must follow when preparing your ROE.
Service Canada uses the information on your ROE to decide:
- if you are eligible for EI benefits
- how much you get
- how long your benefits will be paid
Even if you aren’t applying for EI benefits, an employer must prepare a ROE for you. They can either give it to you or send it to Service Canada electronically
You can ask your employer for a paper copy of your ROE. Once you get the ROE, you must give it to Service Canada as soon as possible.
If your employer sends your ROE directly to Service Canada, you will not need to ask for a paper copy. You will need a My Service Canada Account to view your ROE electronically.
If 2 weeks go by and your employer has still not prepared your ROE, you should ask your employer again. If you are unable to get your ROE, go to your nearest Service Canada Office or call them at 1-800-206-7218 or mail in this form. A Service Canada agent will tell you how to get your ROE or what else they will need to complete your application.
Usually, you have to wait for one week after you lose your job before applying for EI. But during COVID-19, you don’t have to do this. You can collect EI starting the day after you lose your job. This rule is temporary, and affects people applying for EI between January 31, 2021, and September 25, 2021.
Be sure to apply as soon as you don’t have work. If you apply more than 4 weeks after you have an , it may be harder to get approved for EI. If you are approved, you might get less money. This is because there will be a large period of time where you have no hours worked and no money earned.
