My northern Ontario family uses pogey to refer to UI/EI, as opposed to welfare (which is almost always just called welfare). I think that slight distinction meant a lot to people, especially in northern ontario towns where resource-based industries meant work options were/are notoriously unreliable. (Ie. “They closed they mill, Uncle Bob’s going to have to get pogey until snowmobile rentals start in winter.”)

If you’re interested in its etymology, check out this .pdf: home.comcast.net/~russ1980/stuff/Pogey.pdf
Interesting stuff!

Jesus God, just reading those words makes me want to reach for a bottle of rotgut whiskey… and I don’t even drink.