How Many Hours Are You Allowed to Work While on EI in Canada?

If you’re receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in Canada, you might be asking: “Can I work while on EI? And if so, how many hours am I allowed to work?”

The answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple number of hours. Instead, EI rules are based on how much money you earn while on claim, along with your availability for other work.

This blog will explain:

• Whether you can work while on EI
• How much you can earn without losing benefits
• The truth about hours worked vs. income earned
• What happens if your hours are reduced
• Whether it’s worth working part-time while on EI
• How to apply for EI when you’ve lost your job

Can You Work While on EI?

Yes — you can work while collecting EI. Many Canadians work part-time or on a casual basis while receiving benefits.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must still be available and actively looking for full-time work.
• You must report your earnings every two weeks to Service Canada when you complete your EI report.
• EI is designed as a temporary financial bridge while you search for new employment, not a permanent top-up for reduced hours.

How Much Can You Earn While on EI?

Canada’s “Working While on Claim” rules determine how much you can keep:

• You can keep 50 cents of your EI benefits for every $1 you earn, until your combined income reaches 90% of your previous weekly earnings.
• Once you pass the 90% threshold, EI benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar.

This means it’s possible to combine part-time wages and EI benefits to nearly match your old income — but not exceed it.

How Many Hours Can You Work While on EI?

This is where many people get confused. EI does not set a specific maximum number of hours. Instead, eligibility is based on:

• Income earned (not hours worked)
• Availability for full-time work

If you work too many hours — even part-time — Service Canada may question whether you’re “available” for other employment. For example:

• 5–15 hours/week: Generally acceptable if earnings are reported.
• 20–30 hours/week: May still qualify, but earnings will significantly reduce your EI.
• Near full-time hours: EI may stop, since you’re considered re-employed.

Can You Apply for EI if Your Hours Are Reduced?

A common question is: “Can I apply for EI if my hours are reduced?”

The short answer: No — reduced hours alone don’t qualify you for regular EI

To qualify, you must have:

• Lost your job through termination, layoff, or dismissal without cause, or
• Been unable to work due to a specific life event, such as:
  • Maternity leave
  • Parental leave
  • Sickness benefits
  • Compassionate care leave

Is It Worth Working While on EI?

For most people — yes. Here’s why:

• You can increase your weekly income by working part-time while still receiving a portion of your EI.
• It shows you’re actively trying to re-enter the workforce — an EI requirement.
• Even a few hours of work may extend your career connections and lead to full-time employment.

But keep in mind:

• If your part-time job pays close to what you earned before, your EI will drop quickly.
• Too many hours may disqualify you altogether.

How to Apply for EI While Working Part-Time

The EI application process is the same whether you’re working part-time or not.

1. Apply for EI as soon as you stop working full-time. Don’t wait — you can lose benefits if you delay.
2. Submit your Record of Employment (ROE). Your employer must issue this within 7 days of your last day.
3. Report your earnings biweekly. Use your EI online report to disclose wages from part-time or casual work.
4. Service Canada adjusts your payment. They’ll apply the 50 cents-on-the-dollar rule to calculate what you keep.

Working While on EI: Quick FAQs

EI and Severance Pay: Why Legal Advice Matters

It’s important to understand the connection between EI and severance pay.

If you’ve been terminated or laid off, you may be entitled to significant severance pay from your employer — far more than EI alone. Many non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and BC are entitled to up to 24 months of pay.

But here’s the catch:

• EI benefits may be impacted if your employer provides severance.
• Many employers try to minimize severance or claim you aren’t entitled to it.

That’s where we come in.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped more than 50,000 Canadians navigate EI, severance pay, and wrongful dismissal cases. Contact us today to learn your rights before signing anything from your employer.

At our firm, we have:

• ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases quickly through negotiation or mediation
• 💰 Secured millions in compensation
• 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in many, but not all, cases
• ⭐ Earned 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews (4.7 average)
• 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms (Globe and Mail)

Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.