# Can I get any help if I don't have enough work hours for regular benefits? - Jurisdiction: Canada - Practice area: Employment Law - Published: 2026-10-24 - Last updated: 2026-10-24 - Canonical: https://lawasked.com/ca/employment-law/can-i-get-any-help-if-i-don ## Question I am living in Canada and I am feeling quite stressed about my current financial situation. I recently finished a seasonal contract that lasted from late September until the end of February. During this six-month period, I worked a total of 620 hours, but because my industry is quite irregular, I haven't quite hit the usual threshold required to claim the standard unemployment payments. I have already spent several hours on the government website trying to navigate the application process, and I even called the helpline last Tuesday to ask about my eligibility, but the person on the phone was quite vague and just told me I didn't meet the standard requirements. I am worried because my pay cheque from the last month was much smaller than I expected due to the reduced hours, and I have rent due on the first of next month. I know there is some kind of special programme or different set of rules for people who have worked a decent amount of time—like my 620 hours—but don't meet the full criteria for the main benefits. I am unsure if there is a specific scheme I can apply for that uses different rules for my situation, or if I am simply out of luck because I don't qualify for the regular assistance. ## Summary Yes, there may be a special program available to you. Because you worked 620 hours, you might qualify for special benefits designed for people who do not meet the standard requirements for regular unemployment payments. ## Analysis Under the Employment Insurance Act, there is a provision that allows for the creation of a special scheme for certain workers. Specifically, the law states that the Commission may "make any regulations it considers necessary respecting the establishment and operation of a scheme to ensure that special benefits are provided to insured persons who have at least 600 hours of insurable employment in their qualifying period but who do not qualify to receive benefits under section 7" [cite:ca-ei-act-sec153p1]. This means that even if you do not meet the standard hours required for regular unemployment benefits (which are listed in a table based on your local unemployment rate) [cite:ca-ei-act-sec7], you may still be eligible for a different type of assistance if you have worked at least 600 hours. In your specific case, you worked 620 hours between late September and the end of February. Since 620 is greater than the 600-hour threshold mentioned in the Act, you fall into the category of people for whom a special scheme might be established [cite:ca-ei-act-sec153p1]. This scheme is separate from the regular benefits and can have its own unique rules regarding how much you get, how long you receive it, and how you qualify [cite:ca-ei-act-sec153p1]. It is important to note that the law does not automatically grant you these benefits; rather, it gives the government the power to create a program for people in your exact situation. Whether you actually receive money depends on the specific regulations that have been written for that special scheme. Additionally, if you have any previous violations on your record, the number of hours you need to qualify might be higher [cite:ca-ei-act-sec7p1]. State, provincial, or local laws may add further rules regarding financial assistance, so you should check your local provincial social assistance programs as well. ## Statutory citations - Employment Insurance Act, S.C. 1996, c. 23, s. 153.1 - Regulations [in force] (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-5.6/index.html#s-153.1) > the Commission shall... make any regulations it considers necessary respecting the establishment and operation of a scheme to ensure that special benefits are provided to insured persons who have at least 600 hours of insurable employment in their qualifying period but who do not qualify to receive benefits under section 7 - Employment Insurance Act, S.C. 1996, c. 23, s. 7 - Benefits payable to persons who qualify [in force] (https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-5.6/index.html#s-7) > An insured person qualifies if the person... has had during their qualifying period at least the number of hours of insurable employment set out in the following table in relation to the regional rate of unemployment --- General information only, not legal advice. See https://lawasked.com/disclaimer