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Are you currently substitute teaching or teaching under a temporary or probationary contract of employment?
If the answer to this question is yes, you may qualify for regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits when your employment comes to an end. Qualifying for regular benefits under EI regulations is contingent upon the following criteria:
- Your contract of employment as a teacher has ended and you are not in receipt of an offer of employment for the next school year.
- You have not worked for at least seven consecutive days
- You have the required number of insured hours accumulated in the past 52 weeks to qualify for EI.
The ATA assists teachers with questions about EI benefits on a regular basis and the most common concern is the required number of insured hours.
FAQs about EI
How many hours do I need?
This depends on your teaching status and location within the province. It also depends on whether you are new to the workforce and if you’ve filed a previous EI claim.
What happens if my Record of Employment (ROE) does not have enough insured hours?
Keep your own records of hours worked, including preparation time before and after school, supervision and extracurricular time after school, and time spent marking assignments at home. Where possible, have your log book hours signed by a principal or other supervisor who can certify that these are hours you spent working. This log book record can be extremely helpful if an appeal to a denied EI claim is warranted.
Should I apply anyway?
The ATA usually recommends applying regardless, as waiting too long to apply can be another reason your claim could be denied.
What if I am turned down?
Contact the Association’s Teacher Welfare program area for advice on the merits of filing an appeal. In Edmonton and area, call 780‑447‑9400; in Calgary and area, call 403-265-2672; from elsewhere in Alberta, call toll free at 1-800-232-7208.
For more information on employment insurance, visit the ATA’s website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and click on Employment Insurance, located under Salary and Benefits. Or call the EI General Inquiries line at 1-800-206-7218. Apply for benefits online through the Human Resources Development Canada website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/ei/application/applying_for_benefits.shtml.
