when can i apply for ei

You should apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits as soon as you stop working. It is important to submit your application within 4 weeks of your last day of work , as applying later than 4 weeks may cause you to lose benefits or be denied eligibility. You do not need to wait for your Record of Employment to apply, and you can start your online application right away. Applying within the 4-week grace period allows your eligibility to be calculated as if you applied the week you stopped working. Delaying beyond 4 weeks may negatively impact your claim, including losing insurable hours used for qualification or benefits entitlement.