You can apply for EI as early as the eighth week before your due date. If you don’t apply prior to giving birth, you must apply for EI maternity/parental benefits as soon you go on maternity leave even if you do not have your Record(s) of Employment yet. Delaying your application beyond four weeks after your last day of work may cause a loss of benefits. The date that you submit is very important since it affects the amount of maternity benefits that you are entitled to receive. In most cases, there is a two-week waiting period before EI benefits start being paid.
You must contact the Government of Alberta to apply for EI:
Call: 1-800-208-7218 or Online