Understanding Employment Insurance (EI) and severance pay

Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program that provides financial support to employees who have been fired or laid off. It is a temporary income while unemployed workers look for new work. To access EI benefits, individuals must have paid into the program in the past year and meet specific requirements.

Severance pay is compensation provided to an employee when they lose their job. It is based on various factors such as length of service, position, and salary, and can be as much as 24 months’ pay.

Learn more about EI and severance pay in your province:

Ontario • Alberta • B.C.

Key points on EI benefits and severance pay

  • Application for EI benefits: You must apply for EI benefits through Service Canada within 30 days of your employment termination.
  • Employer advice on EI: Be cautious of employer advice regarding EI and severance pay, especially if you are fired “for cause.” Many employers incorrectly fire people in this manner, impacting their ability to collect a full severance package and EI benefits. Always check with our team before accepting their decision.
  • Wrongful and constructive dismissal: Understand how to navigate EI benefits during a wrongful dismissal or constructive dismissal claim.
  • Don’t take chances: Seek legal assistance to ensure you receive the best severance package possible while applying for EI benefits.

Need help with severance as you navigate EI?

Our employment lawyers have the expertise to help you understand the complexities of EI and severance pay. Whether you have been let go from your job or require a severance package review, contact us online or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

  • Respected and trusted team

    Our employment and disability lawyers have earned the respect of our peers, media outlets and tens of thousands of clients.

  • Results you need

    We endeavour to produce the most effective and efficient results possible for our clients, a claim backed up by 1,000+ positive online reviews from across Canada.

  • You don't pay unless We Win

    We offer a contingency fee arrangement where appropriate. We aren't paid unless we recover money for you.

  • Customer service

    Our lawyers are very responsive and keep their clients updated during every step of the process.

  • Reduced stress

    Our lawyers fight on your behalf. We deal directly with your employer or insurance company so you don't have to.

  • Understand your rights

    We will tell you what your legal rights are and the steps we will take to enforce them so that you are confident in your case.

Your confidential consultation

Find out how we can help you obtain the severance package you deserve while navigating the EI program, minus the unnecessary stress.

Get Help Now

Interactive resources

Pocket Employment Lawyer

Before you call an employment lawyer, use the Pocket Employment Lawyer to determine if your employment law rights have been violated, and what you should do about it.

Get Answers Now

Severance Pay Calculator

The accurate, anonymous and FREE severance pay calculator tool that has been used millions of Canadians to find out what they are owed!

Calculate Now

See what our clients are saying

I was wrongfully terminated after 4 years on the job. After doing some research, trying their Severance Pay Calculator offered online and watching a few episodes of the Employment Law Show, I reached out to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and I'm sure glad I did. They settled my case out of court and got me a very fair settlement in what I consider to be a very short amount of time. Great work!
Sean D.
  • 5 / 5
Review from
I was exceptionally pleased with the outcome achieved with the assistance of Samfiru Tamarkin LLP Employment Lawyers. Their team was extremely knowledgeable, approachable and professional. I would highly recommend this firm.
Patti Lennox
  • 5 / 5
Review from
I called Samfiru Tumarkin LLP after listening to their employment law segments on the radio. Gurlal Kler made my mom feel valued and respected. He understood the struggle of a 62 year old being let go without any reason. She was given 6 months’ of severance. Gurlal was able to get her a year and a half of severance pay, plus the employer paid some of the legal fee. Thank you Gurlal.
Jujhar Singh
  • 5 / 5
Review from
This was the first time I’ve dealt with a lawyer, and the experience was excellent. I’m fairly new in my career and needed advice. They dealt with everything in a timely manner and with empathy. They took the time to fully understand the situation and provide meaningful guidance. Definitely recommend this team!
Krista S.
  • 5 / 5
Review from
I highly recommend Lior Samfiru and his experienced team. It was my first time hiring an employment lawyer and I’m very thankful for my daughter's recommendation. They were professional, compassionate, kind and extremely helpful while I navigated how to deal with job redundancy from my workplace of over two decades.
Shewana S.
  • 5 / 5
Review from

Wrongfully Dismissed? Get What You're Owed.

Our experienced wrongful dismissal lawyers in Ontario, BC and Alberta are ready to help. Consult with one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment law firms today.

get help now