Get the Financial Support You Need While on EI

If you’re on EI, you can still apply for a payday loan up to $1,500 and get approved with iCash. Quick application and 2-minute e-Transfer, even on weekends and holidays!

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Payday Loans While on EI – Get the Help You Need Today

Employment Insurance is a type of temporary financial support for Canadians who are between jobs. It’s meant to help cover the costs of things like groceries and rent while you search for another job. The issue, however, is that it doesn’t account for unexpected expenses that might pop up during unemployment. 

That’s where EI payday loans can come in handy. As a type of short-term lending option, these types of loans can give you the quick cash you need to handle urgent bills, car repairs, or any other unexpected financial emergencies that can’t wait until your next benefit payment.

Job loss creates enough stress as it is. The last thing you want to worry about is how to handle financial emergencies on top of that. The reality is that being unemployed often means facing the same expenses on a reduced income, and sometimes you need immediate help. 

So, if you’re wondering, “Can you get a payday loan while on EI?” Yes, you can, and we’ll explain exactly how it works, what you need to qualify, and what to consider before applying.

How Payday Loans for EI Recipients Work

If you’re a recipient of EI, here’s how getting a payday loan works (spoiler alert: it’s super easy!):

Eligibility Requirements

EI is considered valid income by most payday lenders in Canada. Here's what you need if you apply with iCash:

  • Be at least 18 years old (19 years old for applicants in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia)

  • Be a resident of any of the provinces in which we operate (AB, ON, BC, MB, NB, NS, PEI).

  • Show that you have been receiving the same source of income for the past three months.

  • Have a total net income of at least $800/month.

  • Have access to an online bank account, in which pre-authorized debits can be performed.*

  • Have a valid Canadian mobile phone number, address, and email address (VoIP numbers are not accepted) 

*Please note that KOHO accounts do not qualify as they do not support pre-authorized debits.

Unlike traditional loans, you don't need employment verification or pay stubs. Your consistent EI payments serve as proof of reliable income, often making the approval process faster than for irregular employment income. 

And if we do need any additional information, we’ll make sure to tell you exactly what we need to make the process as easy as possible.

The Application Process

Online Application: Complete your cash advance EI application entirely online in 5-10 minutes. No need to visit physical locations or take time away from your job search.

Instant Verification Process: Our advanced systems immediately verify your information and deliver an approval decision right away, eliminating the lengthy wait times typically associated with loans.

Two-minute e-Transfer Funding: If you’ve been approved (and there’s a good chance you will be), then your funds are sent by e-Transfer within 2 minutes of contract signing. Available 24/7, including weekends when you might need emergency cash most.

Final Thoughts and Responsible Advice

Employment insurance payday loans can really provide financial and mental stress relief if you need them. But remember that they should always be used responsibly. It’s important to understand the full terms and conditions before you agree to sign any digital agreement.

EI recipients should also carefully consider whether the urgent expense truly can't wait until the next benefit payment. If you do proceed, ensure you can comfortably repay the loan without jeopardizing essential living expenses covered by your EI benefits.

Need Emergency Cash While on Employment Insurance?

Unemployment brings enough challenges without financial emergencies adding extra stress. If you're receiving EI benefits and need quick access to cash for urgent expenses, unemployment loans through iCash can help you out of a bind.

Our online application process is designed with EI recipients in mind, offering respectful service without judgment about your employment situation. So, if you need some assistance, we’re here for you. Click below to apply with iCash today!

[Get Your Payday Loan Today]

For more information about payday loans with different government benefits, visit our page on payday loans with government benefits. You can also learn about our general payday loans process.


Payday loans are high cost products. iCash loans comply with Payday Loans Act (2008), Ontario. For more information about your borrower rights, visit the Ontario borrower rights page.

Licensed in AB, BC, NB, ON, MB, NS, PEI. License numbers and addresses available upon request.


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iCash is a member of the Canadian Consumer Finance Association.
iCash uses TransUnion technology to improve our lending solutions.
iCash uses Interac e-Transfer to send loans to our customers.
iCash uses Equifax technology to improve our lending solutions.
iCash is owned by women and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Apply for a Payday Loan on EI Benefits

1

Apply Online

Getting an online loan with us is fast and easy. Simply select your loan amount, repayment plan* and provide some personal details.

Sign up and apply online or on our app.
2

Instant Decision

Our online loan application will tell you if you’re approved instantly. Once approved, all you have to do is electronically sign your contract. It’s that easy!

Get a decision instantly after completing our paperless loan application.
3

Get Funds

Once you sign your digital agreement, your cash advance will be sent by e-Transfer within 2 minutes. Fast, convenient and hassle-free. Funds are sent 24/7, no matter what.

Receive your money by e-Transfer within minutes of signing your agreement.

We help our members get their finances back on track

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Frequently asked questions

Can you get a payday loan on benefits?

If you are receiving EI benefits, ODSP, or disability income for at least three months, you can apply for a payday loan on benefits. You must also meet all other minimum requirements at the time of the application and be receiving benefits for a minimum of three months before you apply for your loan.
With iCash, you can get a child tax loan, EI loan, CPP loan, and disability loan!

How do you borrow money when unemployed?

If you're receiving unemployment benefits, you may be eligible for an EI loan from iCash. Terms may apply and you may only qualify during a certain period of your EI payment schedule.
If you're approved for an unemployment loan, you'll get flexible repayment terms*, no hidden fees, 24/7 customer service, and quick approval decision times. You can apply for a loan online or through the iCash app today and get the money you need in minutes.

Can I get a loan if I'm on welfare?

It's possible to get a loan while on welfare in Canada. This is because certain payday loan providers accept welfare and other forms of government assistance as a valid source of income. This is a great alternative to loans that require collateral like vehicle title loans or home equity loans.
At iCash, we accept welfare as a source of income for our loans. We understand that not everyone has a traditional source of income, and we want to help as many people as possible get access to the cash they need!

Can I get a loan on EI in Canada?

You can receive a payday loan while on employment insurance (EI). The process is the same as when you’re applying for a cash advance. Most lenders will consider your EI premiums as income for the express loan and decide what amount you are eligible for based on the EI premiums being paid out to you. You must have been receiving employment insurance payments for at least 3 months when you apply for a payday loan for unemployed people.

Can I get a payday loan if I have no job?

Not having a job doesn't have to get in the way of you getting a payday loan. Certain payday loan providers, like iCash, will accept other forms of government assistance, like unemployment, child tax, or disability benefits, as a valid source of income when applying for a payday loan.

Can I qualify for a loan if I’m unemployed?

Yes, you can qualify for an iCash loan if you're unemployed. You simply need to meet some basic requirements, including having the same source or mix of incomes for the past three months. Your source of income doesn't have to be traditional employment income. If you are receiving any type of government assistance, like Canada’s unemployment benefits, you may apply for a loan OF UP TO $1,500 with us.

What documents do I need to provide to qualify for an unemployment loan?

To qualify for an unemployment insurance loan with iCash, you'll need to provide us with some basic information and documents, including:
  • Your contact information, including your address and mobile phone number.
  • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • Your banking institution's name and proof that you hold a valid account with that bank.
  • Proof of income for the past 3 months. This can include any type of government assistance, like unemployment, child tax, or disability benefits.

Note: If you're applying for a loan using EI as your main source of income, you must provide us with proof of bi-weekly payments that are scheduled and paid to your bank account i.e. every other Tuesday or Wednesday if Monday of the same week is an official holiday. If you are just starting to receive EI, we will accept one EI payment received in your bank account only if you've previously had a job with a steady source of employment income.

Have more questions? Check out our full FAQ.

Get up to $1,500 on EI benefits

iCash has helped more than 950,000 Canadians get instant loans online without hassle. Download our mobile application today!