Losing your job is hard. Your next steps don't have to be.
EI eligibility, financial runway, severance, and support programs — everything you need in one place, built for Canadians.
You just lost your job. Whatever the circumstances — layoff, firing, or resignation — the financial moves you make in the next 7 days matter a lot. This guide walks you through them calmly and clearly.
Day 1–2
Take a breath — then secure the basics
→Don't sign anything yet — you have time to review any severance offer
→Request your Record of Employment (ROE) in writing from your employer
→Confirm your last pay date and any outstanding vacation pay owed
→Log into your bank — understand exactly what you're working with
Day 3–5
File for EI immediately
→Apply for Employment Insurance at canada.ca — do not wait
→You need your SIN, employer info, and ROE (or your employer's CRA payroll number)
→The 1-week waiting period starts the day you apply — every day you delay costs you
→Apply even if you're unsure you qualify. Let Service Canada decide.
Day 5–7
Review your severance offer
→The ESA minimum is just the floor — many people are entitled to more under common law
→Do not sign a full and final release without understanding what you're waiving
→An employment lawyer consultation is often free or $200–$400 — worth it for any offer over $5,000
→Negotiate: ask for extended benefits, a better reference, or more time to decide
Week 2
Adjust your financial plan
→Cancel or pause non-essential subscriptions immediately
→Contact your lender if you have a mortgage — most have hardship deferral programs
→Check your benefits end date — consider a health/dental bridge plan if needed
→Update your budget with EI income as your new baseline