Definition
Employment insurance (EI) benefits represent a special case in mortgage income evaluation. Policy varies by EI type and lender:
**Parental EI (maternity/paternity leave)**: most often accepted, as the return to work is planned and employment is guaranteed by the Labour Standards Act. The lender typically uses the pre-leave employment income (not the EI amount). An employer letter confirming return and salary can unlock approval.
**Seasonal EI** (e.g., forestry, fishing, tourism sectors): some lenders (including B lenders) accept the combination of seasonal income + EI if this has been the established income pattern for 2+ years. 2-year average via T1 General required.
**Regular EI following job loss**: rarely admissible as primary income. Most A lenders will refuse or require a new employment offer letter. B lenders may be more flexible depending on expected duration and history.