Can I get EI benefits if I was fired?

If you’re unemployed and looking for work, you may be able to get Employment Insurance (EI) benefits even if you were fired. It depends on the reason why you were fired.

If Service Canada staff say you were fired because of “misconduct”, they will not give you benefits.

Misconduct usually means doing something wrong on purpose. Misconduct is more than simply not being able to do the job well.

Here are some examples that could be seen as misconduct:

• threatening or violent behaviour
• destroying company property on purpose
• being late or away from work and your employer did not approve this
• not doing something your employer tells you to do

It’s not always clear what misconduct is. So you should apply for EI even if you were fired.

Record of Employment

It’s easier to apply for EI if you have your Record of Employment (ROE). You will need an ROE for every employer you worked for in the past 12 months.

An ROE is a form from your employer that says how long you worked for them, how many hours you worked, and how much money you earned. And it says why you’re no longer working for them.

Your employer must send the ROE. They can give you a paper copy, or send an online copy to Service Canada directly.

If your employer sends your ROE directly to Service Canada:

• they do not have to give you a copy, and
• you do not need a copy to apply for EI.

But you can get a copy from Service Canada if you want one.

You need a My Service Canada account to see your ROE online. Check your account or set one up at servicecanada.ca.

Even if you do not have your ROE yet, you should apply for EI as soon as you stop working. You need proof of your employment, such as pay stubs and T4 slips.

If you do not apply within 4 weeks after your employment ends, you will probably get fewer EI payments.

You can call or visit a Service Canada Centre if you’re having problems getting your ROE.

Call the Employment Insurance Telephone Information Service at 1-800-206-7218. For TTY, call 1-800-529-3742.

If you cannot get EI or you’re waiting for EI, you may be able to get financial assistance from Ontario Works (OW).

---

January 2026 Previous page Next page