How Many Hours Can You Work While on EI in Canada?

There is no fixed number of hours you can work while receiving Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada. You can work part-time and continue collecting EI, but your benefits will be reduced based on your earnings.

Under Canada’s Working While on Claim rules, you can usually keep some EI benefits while earning money from a job. However, you won’t receive EI for a week in which you work a full working week.

On This Page:

• How Many Hours Can You Work?
• How Much Can You Earn?
• Working Part-Time on EI
• Reporting Work and Earnings
• EI if Your Hours Are Cut
• Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Hours Can You Work While on EI?

EI does not have a single weekly hour limit for everyone. Instead, Service Canada considers your earnings, how much you work and whether you remain eligible for benefits.

• Part-time work: You can receive reduced EI benefits while working part-time.
• A full working week: You won’t receive EI for that week, regardless of how much you earn.
• Availability for work: If you’re receiving regular EI benefits, you must remain available for suitable employment and actively look for work.

Working fewer than 20 hours doesn’t automatically guarantee EI benefits. Working more than 20 hours doesn’t automatically disqualify you either.

How Much Money Can You Earn While on EI?

EI benefits are normally reduced by 50 cents for every dollar you earn from working. This applies until your employment earnings reach 90% of the weekly insurable earnings used to calculate your EI benefit rate.

Above that threshold, additional employment earnings are deducted dollar-for-dollar from your remaining EI benefits.

Example: Working Part-Time While Collecting EI

Suppose you previously earned $500 per week and qualify for $275 in weekly EI benefits. You start working part-time and earn $300 per week.

In this example, working part-time increases your weekly income from $275 to $425 before tax.

For the official rules, see Service Canada’s Working While on Claim program.

Is It Worth Working Part-Time While on EI?

Working part-time can increase your total weekly income while you collect EI. It can also help you gain experience, maintain workplace connections and find permanent employment.

However, your benefits decrease as your earnings rise. If you work a full week, you won’t receive an EI payment for that week.

Whether working part-time makes financial sense depends on your wages, available hours and expenses such as transportation or childcare.

Do You Have to Report Part-Time Work While on EI?

Yes. You must report all hours worked and employment earnings to Service Canada, even if you haven’t been paid yet.

When completing your EI report every two weeks, include:

• The hours you worked each week
• Your earnings before taxes and deductions
• Any part-time, casual or self-employment work
• Whether you were available for work

Report earnings for the week you performed the work, not when you received your paycheque.

See Service Canada’s EI reporting instructions.

Can You Apply for EI if Your Employer Cuts Your Hours?

A reduction in work hours doesn’t automatically qualify you for regular EI benefits. You must meet Service Canada’s eligibility requirements, including the rules for an interruption of earnings.

Some employees may qualify through the federal Work-Sharing Program, which helps businesses avoid layoffs by temporarily reducing employees’ working hours.

Can You Get Severance if Your Hours Are Reduced?

Possibly. If your employer substantially reduces your established hours or income without your agreement, it could amount to constructive dismissal.

For non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and BC, a constructive dismissal triggers severance pay rights. You could be owed as much as 24 months’ pay. Don’t quit or accept a major reduction before getting legal advice.

Read our guide to changes to work hours and schedules in Canada.

Working While on EI: Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Work 20 Hours a Week While on EI?

Yes, you may still receive EI while working 20 hours a week. Your benefits depend on your earnings, whether you worked a full week and whether you remain eligible. There’s no special 20-hour rule.

Can You Work Full-Time and Collect EI?

You won’t receive EI benefits for a week in which you work a full working week, even if your earnings are low. Returning to full-time employment can also affect your ongoing claim.

Can You Work While Receiving EI Sickness Benefits?

Yes, limited work may be possible if you remain eligible for sickness benefits. You must report your earnings and hours. See our guide to EI sickness benefits in Canada.

Can You Receive EI and Severance Pay?

Yes. EI and severance are separate forms of compensation. Temporary federal rules currently allow qualifying separation payments without reducing EI benefits. Learn more in our EI and Severance Pay Canada guide.

Do EI Working Rules Differ in Ontario, Alberta or BC?

No. EI is a federal program, so the same Working While on Claim rules apply across Canada.

Lost Your Job? Don’t Overlook Your Severance Rights

EI provides temporary income after losing your job, but it doesn’t replace the severance your employer may owe you.

For non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, severance can reach up to 24 months’ pay, depending on their circumstances.

The employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can review your severance offer and help you pursue the compensation you’re owed.

Before you sign, always check first.