Searching for Employment Insurance

COVID-19: Click here for an up-to-date service announcement.

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services. Internet access and assistance locating and applying for government programs including:

• Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
• Passports

COVID-19 - The office is now open to the public on a part-time, appointments-only basis. Clients must call first to make an appointment. We also continue to assist clients by working remotely.

Provides referrals, legal advice, legal representation, Tenant Duty Counsel services, public legal education and community outreach.

Areas of law include:

• Tenant rights
• Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and CPP Disability
• Disability issues
• Employment law including the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights in the Workplace and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
• Wills and powers of attorney

Does not assist with matters relating to criminal, family, or property law.

Part-time satellite offices (by appointment only):

Wallaceburg Community Resource Centre
939 Dufferin Ave, Wallaceburg

Blenheim Municipal Building
35 Talbot St, Blenheim

Tilbury Information and Help Centre
20 Queen St N, Tilbury

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services. Internet access and assistance locating and applying for government programs including:

• Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

Assistance locating and applying for:

• Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• Passports
• Dual Citizenship
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
• Canada Education Savings Grant
• conducts public speaking and seminars to employers, labour associations, community organizations and general public
• provides special and personalized service to claimants experiencing difficulties with employment insurance
• Liaison with potential employers in the community

Enhances public awareness of:

• the Employment Insurance program
• Canada Pension Plan Benefits
• Old Age Security Benefits
• Employment Programs

COVID-19 Important Information: this location has now reopened for in-person service either waiting in line for first come first served, or by the option of filling out a service request for an appointment; see more information here

Service Overview

• Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment
• claimants must conduct a reasonable job search to remain eligible
• Basic benefit rate is 55% of average insured earnings
• maximum weekly benefit $638
• duration of benefits based on insured weeks of work and regional unemployment rate

Working While on Claim

• claimants keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned in wages, up to a maximum of 90% of weekly earnings
• claimants may choose instead to earn up to 40% of regular benefits or $75 per week (whichever is higher) with no reduction in EI payment

Family Supplement

• for low income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit (see separate entry)
• amount based on annual net family income
• supplement will be added to EI payment

Special benefits

• 15 weeks sickness benefits
• 26 weeks compassionate care benefits
• 35 weeks for family caregivers to care for critically ill or injured children, and 15 weeks to care for critically ill or injured adults
• 15 weeks maternity benefits
• 40 weeks standard parental, 69 weeks extended parental benefits available to natural, legal or adoptive parents -- benefits can be shared by both parents

Claimants may be able to receive combination of special benefits

My Service Canada Account

• computer access to claim information

Social Security Tribunal, 1-877-227-8577​

• independent appeal process for Employment Insurance decisions

Job Bank www.jobbank.gc.ca

• online employment information and job postings
• employers can post jobs online

Program of Employment and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services. Internet access and assistance locating and applying for government programs including:

• Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant.
• Passports

Assistance locating and applying for:

• Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• Passports
• Dual Citizenship
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
• Canada Education Savings Grant
• conducts public speaking and seminars to employers, labour associations, community organizations and general public
• provides special and personalized service to claimants experiencing difficulties with employment insurance
• Liaison with potential employers in the community

Enhances public awareness of:

• the Employment Insurance program
• Canada Pension Plan Benefits
• Old Age Security Benefits
• Employment Programs

COVID-19 Important Information: this location has now reopened for in-person service either waiting in line for first come first served, or by the option of filling out a service request for an appointment; see more information here

Service Overview

• Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment
• claimants must conduct a reasonable job search to remain eligible
• Basic benefit rate is 55% of average insured earnings
• maximum weekly benefit $638
• duration of benefits based on insured weeks of work and regional unemployment rate

Working While on Claim

• claimants keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned in wages, up to a maximum of 90% of weekly earnings
• claimants may choose instead to earn up to 40% of regular benefits or $75 per week (whichever is higher) with no reduction in EI payment

Family Supplement

• for low income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit (see separate entry)
• amount based on annual net family income
• supplement will be added to EI payment

Special benefits

• 15 weeks sickness benefits
• 26 weeks compassionate care benefits
• 35 weeks for family caregivers to care for critically ill or injured children, and 15 weeks to care for critically ill or injured adults
• 15 weeks maternity benefits
• 40 weeks standard parental, 69 weeks extended parental benefits available to natural, legal or adoptive parents -- benefits can be shared by both parents

Claimants may be able to receive combination of special benefits

My Service Canada Account

• computer access to claim information

Social Security Tribunal, 1-877-227-8577​

• independent appeal process for Employment Insurance decisions

Job Bank www.jobbank.gc.ca

• online employment information and job postings
• employers can post jobs online

Program of Employment and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada

Access to Government of Canada services, benefits and documentation

Employment Services - Assistance with career planning and counselling including resume and interview assistance and student and youth employment services * access to online Job Bank

Employment Insurance - Basic income protection program for employed workers

Financial Benefits - Information and forms for federal pensions and benefits including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Disability Benefits and Survivor Benefits

Social Insurance Number (SIN) application - Personal identification number for access to various Canadian government programs

Services for Business - Services regarding employees and safety, including records of employment; wage subsidies, labour market information, labour standards, occupational health and safety and workplace equity

Access to Government of Canada services, benefits and documentation

Employment Services - Assistance with career planning and counselling including resume and interview assistance and student and youth employment services * access to online Job Bank

Employment Insurance - Basic income protection program for employed workers

Financial Benefits - Information and forms for federal pensions and benefits including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Disability Benefits, and Survivor Benefits

Social Insurance Number (SIN) application - Personal identification number for access to various Canadian government programs

Services for Business - Services regarding employees and safety, including records of employment, wage subsidies, labour market information, labour standards, occupational health and safety and workplace equity

Services offered include * labour market information * applying for a social insurance number * lost or stolen social insurance number * applying for Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Apprenticeship Completion Grant, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security * provides passport applications but does not accept or process completed applications * among many other services and applications.

Provides free legal services to low-income individuals.

• staff consists of community legal workers and lawyers
• offer services from our main office in St. Thomas and our satellite offices in Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Aylmer, Ingersoll, West Lorne, Chippewa of the Thames, Oneida of the Thames and Munsee Delaware Nation
• initial contact is made through St. Thomas head office

Services include:

• assistance on landlord/tenant matters and appeals in Ontario Works
• Ontario Disability Support Program, employment law and on Canada Pension Plan matters
• traditional casework, summary advice, public legal education, law reform, and a wide range of community development activities

The Clinic is currently involved in a project to educate and assist residents about sexual harassment in the workplace. A lawyer is available to provide workshops and information about sexual harassment in the workplace free of charge. The Clinic is involved in a project to provide advice and support to victims of intimate violence and sexual abuse with a lawyer and a social worker. The Clinic has an Indigenous Justice Program with a staff member who will assist the Indigenous communities and residents. The program is meant to facilitate connecting Indigenous residents with the justice system.

Main office in St. Thomas with full-time satellite office in Woodstock, and part-time satellite services in Tillsonburg and Ingersoll * if needed, arrangements can be made in other communities to meet with clients that have no transportation

COVID-19 Appointments are recommended as walk in service is offered only if capacity allows. Clients can apply for critical services online. Personal service support for EI and pension applications are available through e-service online and on mobile phones.

Accessing services Online Services available HERE If you require assistance accessing services please complete an online request HERE A Service Canada officer will contact you within 2 business days. If you do not have access to the internet and require assistance accessing services, please call 1-877-355-2657.

Services to employers and workers including Record of Employment (ROI) support, job order posting, labour standards, labour market information, work-sharing, industrial adjustment services, Employment Insurance (EI), Health and Safety, Workplace Equity, Apprenticeship grants and Youth Services.

SIN numbers, Passport applications and drop-off, Canadian Forces Recruitment, Income Security Programs (CPP), Disability Benefits, Survivor Benefits, Death Benefits, Parental Benefits and Old age Security

Applications from Federal Government Ministries such as Revenue Canada and Human Resources Development Canada. Direct lines to other Federal Departments.

Computers available to assist with job search, walk-in job search centre. Access to computers, fax, photocopier and telephone. Free Internet access, resource materials, job boards, labour market information, software tutorials, assistance with resumes, employment and vocational counselling and assessment, job placement, life skills training, job search and computer skills workshop, interview simulations.

Services offered include * labour market information * applying for a social insurance number * lost or stolen social insurance number * applying for Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Apprenticeship Completion Grant, Canada Pension Plan and Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit, Employment Insurance, Old Age Security * applying or renewing a passport * among many others.

COVID-19 Normal business hours have resumed with Covid protocols in place - walk in services offered when capacity allows.
Clients can apply for critical services online. Personal service support for EI and pension applications are available through e-service online and on mobile phones
Accessing services Online Services available HERE If you require assistance accessing services please complete an online request HERE A Service Canada officer will contact you within 2 business days. If you do not have access to the internet and require assistance accessing services, please call 1-877-355-2657.

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services. Internet access and assistance locating and applying for government programs including Employment Insurance, Social Insurance Numbers, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, as well as Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Canada Education Savings Grant and others.

Student/youth employment services available -- see separate entry.

Employment insurance benefits are paid if you are unable to work because of sickness, injury or quarantine.

Employment Insurance (EI) benefits paid to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill and who has a signifcant risk of death within 26 weeks (six months). A maximum of six weeks of compassionate care benefits may be paid to eligible people.

Access to Government of Canada services, benefits, and documentation

Employment Services - Assistance with career planning and counselling including resume and interview assistance and student and youth employment services. Access to online Job Bank

Employment Insurance - Basic income protection program for employed workers

Financial Benefits - Information and forms for federal pensions and benefits including the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), Disability Benefits, and Survivor Benefits

Social Insurance Number (SIN) application -Personal identification number for access to various Canadian government programs

Services for Business - Services regarding employees and safety, including records of employment; wage subsidies; labour market information; labour standards; occupational health and safety and workplace equity

Service Canada Centre:

• Labour market, employment and vocational training information
  
• Referral to job search assistance and accessing information, forms and services
  
• Information on and applications for Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
  
• Employment Insurance (EI): reviews, processes and supplies information on applications for employment insurance benefits
  
• Compassionate Care Benefits may be paid up to maximum of 6 weeks to individuals absent from work to provide care or support to individuals who are gravely ill; individuals receiving EI are also eligible
  
• Information about services online for youth
  
• Information and applications for Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement
  

Services Offered:


* All Canadians Job Bank

* Labour Market Information

* Pleasure Craft Licensing

* Social Insurance Number Application


- Employers and Organizations Hiring Foreign Workers

* Human Resource Management

* Record of Employment


- Newcomers to Canada Foreign Credentials Referral


- People with Disabilities Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits


* Seniors Allowance for the Survivor Program

* Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension

* Old Age Security

*Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)


-Death Benefit


- Workers Employment Insurance Regular Benefits


- Workers who have Lost their Jobs Targeted Wage Subsidies

Service Canada Centre:

• Labour market, employment and vocational training information
  
• Referral to job search assistance and accessing information, forms and services
  
• Information on and applications for Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
  
• Employment Insurance (EI): reviews, processes and supplies information on applications for employment insurance benefits
  
• Compassionate Care Benefits may be paid up to maximum of 6 weeks to individuals absent from work to provide care or support to individuals who are gravely ill; individuals receiving EI are also eligible
  
• Information about services online for youth
  
• Information and applications for Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement
  

Services Offered:


* All Canadians Job Bank

* Labour Market Information

* Pleasure Craft Licensing

* Social Insurance Number Application


- Employers and Organizations Hiring Foreign Workers

* Human Resource Management

* Record of Employment


- Newcomers to Canada Foreign Credentials Referral


- People with Disabilities Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits


* Seniors Allowance for the Survivor Program

* Canada Pension Plan Retirement Pension

* Old Age Security

*Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)


-Death Benefit


- Workers Employment Insurance Regular Benefits


- Workers who have Lost their Jobs Targeted Wage Subsidies

Service Overview

• Temporary financial assistance and support in finding new employment
• claimants must conduct a reasonable job search to remain eligible
• Basic benefit rate is 55% of average insured earnings
• maximum weekly benefit $638
• duration of benefits based on insured weeks of work and regional unemployment rate

Working While on Claim

• claimants keep 50 cents of EI benefits for every dollar earned in wages, up to a maximum of 90% of weekly earnings
• claimants may choose instead to earn up to 40% of regular benefits or $75 per week (whichever is higher) with no reduction in EI payment

Family Supplement

• for low income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit (see separate entry)
• amount based on annual net family income
• supplement will be added to EI payment

Special benefits

• 26 weeks sickness benefits
• 26 weeks compassionate care benefits
• 35 weeks for family caregivers to care for critically ill or injured children, and 15 weeks to care for critically ill or injured adults
• 15 weeks maternity benefits
• 40 weeks standard parental, 69 weeks extended parental benefits available to natural, legal or adoptive parents -- benefits can be shared by both parents

Claimants may be able to receive combination of special benefits

My Service Canada Account

• computer access to claim information

Social Security Tribunal, 1-877-227-8577​

• independent appeal process for Employment Insurance decisions

Job Bank www.jobbank.gc.ca

• online employment information and job postings
• employers can post jobs online

Program of Employment and Social Development Canada, delivered by Service Canada

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services

• labour market information
• information and referral on Employment Insurance, Social Insurance Numbers, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Veterans benefits, Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Canada Education Savings Grant and others
• some Service Canada locations are passport receiving agents

For details on all federal and provincial benefits see Canada Benefits directory

For local Service Canada Centres see separate entries or office locator

Financial Relief Navigator (FRN)

• online tool that provides information and help to access emergency benefits, related to COVID-19, including Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), as well as other benefits and financial relief from governments, financial institutions, utilities, telecoms and internet providers
• Click HERE for more information

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Plan provides programs in the following three areas:

• Support for Individuals
• Support for Businesses
• Support for Sectors

Support for Individuals
CRB ended Oct 23, 2021, in its place is the Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit:

• Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit:
  • will provide $300 per week to workers who are subject to a lockdown, including those who are ineligible for traditional Employment Insurance
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
  • available to those who need to self-isolate due to COVID-19 will continue until Nov 20, 2021 and is proposed by government to extend until May 7, 2022
  • to apply see CRSB Application
  • for other questions about CRSB see, CRSB Questions
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
  • available to those who must stop work to care for a child under 12 or a family member who needs supervised care, will continue until Nov 20, 2021 and is proposed by government to extend until May 7, 2022
  • to apply see CRCB Application
  • for other question about CRCB see, CRCB Questions

Canada Student Loans

• see Canada Student Loans - COVID-19 for details
• see Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Ontario Students

Support for Seniors

• Government of Canada has introduced legislation to support low-income seniors who received pandemic benefits. For information about a One-Time Grant for Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Recipients click here.

Provincial Programs
Social Assistance

• Visit Ontario Works and ODSP for up-to-date information and to apply online

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Ontario (WSIB)

• If you believe you contracted COVID-19 while at work, you may file a claim to determine if you are eligible for WSIB coverage, call 1-800-387-0750 or visit WSIB Benefits for more information

Service Ontario

• Service Ontario is reinstating renewal requirements for driver's licences, licence plate stickers, other driver and vehicle products, Ontario Photo Cards and Ontario health cards that were temporarily extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, see Renewal Requirements

OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)

• Ontario has waived the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage, see Applying for an Ontario Health Card for more details

Utilities Relief
Ontario Energy Board

• See Help for Low-Income Consumers

Telecommunications Relief

• Telus COVID-19 Updates
• Rogers COVID-19 Updates
• If your telecommunications company is not listed here, check their website or contact them directly to learn of any assistance they may be offering