Understanding EI

A plain-language, educational guide to publicly available information about Employment Insurance (EI) in Canada.

Important disclaimer

This is an unofficial educational website. It is not a Government of Canada or ESDC website. This content is for general information only and is not legal advice. For decisions about your own situation, rely on official Government of Canada sources and, where appropriate, qualified professional advice.

Purpose of this site

This project explains, in neutral and simple terms, what EI decision-making commonly focuses on and why those topics matter.

• It summarizes concepts found in public materials.
• It is designed to help people understand terminology and structure.
• It does not provide case-specific recommendations.

How to use this site

1. Start with Start Here for scope and boundaries.
2. Read topic pages under Concepts.
3. Use Official Sources to verify information in primary references.
4. Check the Glossary for plain-language definitions.

Quick paths by situation

If you are not sure where to begin, use one of these paths:

• I just want the big picture: What EI Is → What EI Cares About and Why
• My job ended and I am trying to understand categories: Job Separation → Voluntary Leaving / Misconduct
• I am already on claim and have ongoing questions: Availability for Work → Training / Schooling → Earnings While on Claim
• I got a decision and need to understand review routes: Reconsideration → Appeals / Tribunal

Site roadmap

• Short, structured pages with clear section headers.
• Expandable sections for examples and notes.
• Room for decision trees, flowcharts, and visuals.

Reading tips

• Keep a note of unfamiliar terms and look them up in the Glossary.
• Treat examples as orientation only, not legal direction.
• Verify anything important against the Official Sources page.